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Date: April 30, 2024 Tue
Time: 3:18 am
Time: 3:18 am
Results for rape (africa)
1 results foundAuthor: Thompson, Jill Title: Rape Sentencing Study: Statutory Sentencing Provisions for Rape, Defilement, and Sexual Assault in East, Central, and Southern Africa Summary: In the past ten to twelve years, several countries in East, Central and Southern Africa have responded to the problem of violence against women and children by amending outdated criminal laws relating to rape and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence. Legislative reforms have ranged from minor changes to existing penal code provisions, to major overhauls of sexual offences law. Changes have included redefining and/or adding new offences; making sexual offences gender neutral; putting in place evidentiary and procedural protections for victims; and increasing penalties for sexual crimes. As part of the reform process, several countries in the region have enacted mandatory minimum sentences for sexual offences such as rape and “defilement.” These have generally emerged in response to public outcry over high rates of sexual violence - particularly against children, and the widespread perception among the public and some lawmakers that perpetrators were not being adequately punished for these crimes. Proponents argued that high mandatory sentences would have a deterrent effect on sexual violence, and that victims would be more likely to report if they believed that perpetrators would be sent to jail. Others argued that statutory minimums would ensure appropriate retribution and lead to greater consistency in sentencing. A further rationale was found in the HIV epidemic - high sentences were viewed by many as necessary to curb the spread of HIV to women and children from sexual assault. Details: Lusaka, Zambia: Population Council, 2012. 40p. Source: Legislative Review: Internet Resource: Accessed December 16, 2012 at http://www.popcouncil.org/pdfs/2012RH_RapeSentencingStudy.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Africa URL: http://www.popcouncil.org/pdfs/2012RH_RapeSentencingStudy.pdf Shelf Number: 127214 Keywords: AIDS (Disease)HIV (Viruses)LegislationRape (Africa)SentencingSexual AssaultSexual Violence |