What is rape?

• A. Consensual intercourse
• B. Type of sexual contact involving sexual intercourse against another without consent
• C. Verbal harassment
• D. Dating violence

Answer: (B)

Rape is sexual intercourse or any sexual contact that happens without the other person’s clear, voluntary agreement. Consent means agreeing to participate freely, without pressure, intimidation, or coercion, and it can be withdrawn at any time. If someone is pressured, intoxicated, unconscious, or unable to understand what they’re agreeing to, there is no valid consent, and the act is considered rape.

Consensual intercourse involves an explicit, mutual agreement to have sex, so it isn’t rape. Verbal harassment is about unwanted remarks or abusive language rather than sexual contact. Dating violence is a broader pattern of abuse in a relationship and may include rape, but it is not the definition of rape itself.