Sexual assault is something that frequently happens all over the world. Sexual assault comes in many different forms. Many people don’t take this [assault] very seriously. The issue is that it occurs more than it should- not that it should at all be happening. A question that may be thought of but not asked is- how far is too far?

According to Journalist’s Resource writer: Margaret Weigel a “death row inmate waited an average of 178 months (15 years) between sentencing and execution.” This honestly is an earful to hear. Committing a crime doesn’t take 15 years- maybe 15 minutes but definitely not years. You’re allowing a person to sit in a cell without the actual punishment they deserve. That’s a large amount of time to come up with the answer to if he should’ve been executed, set free, or to keep sitting in his cell.

In Kansas judges choose the sentence based on the sentencing guidelines. Rape of a child by a person over 18 is punishable by life imprisonment- this also includes a fine up to $500,000. Rape by fraud is a level 2 person felony punishable by 109 to 493 months (9-41 years)  in prison and a fine up to $300,000. Why not just make it life? Rape is happening non stop, and the victim usually is affected long term. It’s not really something that you get over just because the suspect goes to jail. 

According to Moving to End Sexual Assault there are many different types of assault; rape-  which is forced sexual intercourse. Sexual harassment which is unwanted sexual advances or requests for sexual favors. Stalking or when a person follows a pattern of behavior that makes the victim feel afraid or nervous. Blitz sexual assault is when there are rapid and brutal assaults with no prior contact (public place). Contact sexual assault when the suspect contacts the victim and tries to “gain their trust” before assaulting them. Home invasion sexual assault is when a stranger breaks into the victim’s home to commit the assault. There’s many [forms of assault] like acquaintance rape, child sexual abuse, dating assault otherwise know as date rape, domestic violence, drug facilitated rape, and incest. Many people don’t think incest is against the law- but in certain places like Canada for example, incest is punishable for up to 14 years in prison. Others wonder why it is against the law. 

Knowing how many forms of assault there are, makes it even scarier to be who you are and go places you want because you know all of the situations that you or someone can be placed in. There are people you walk past and any of these things could’ve happened to them. The most occurring thing said when the topic of rape is brought up is  “she asked for it.” No she didn’t “ask for it” because she was wearing a skirt, she didn’t ask for it because she had too much fun and started drinking too much and left drunk. Being intoxicated doesn’t give the male or female consent, or the go ahead. If a girl or a women is comfortable with herself, with what she wears and how she carries herself – it doesn’t give you the green light to scar them for life. The same thing goes for boys or men. Women are not the only ones that get abused.

Alaska has the highest percentage of sexual assault.  According to Business Insider in 2010 a poll of nearly 900 Alaskan women found that 37% had experienced sexual violence. They believe that two possible causes are the high population of Native Americans. Native Alaskans make up 61% of rape victims in the state. Alcoholism is the second reason researchers think women are being taken advantage of. A blogger that lives in Alaska wrote: “Why is Alaska the rape capital of the U.S.? Because we allow it.” The blogger made this statement because a women of Alaska was being attacked, the women called the police department multiple times and they did not answer.

If someone does commit the crime of rape they can be sentenced to life imprisonment. If they’re found guilty of sexual assault they can be sentenced to 10 years in prison. If you commit any sexual crime you will be placed on the sex offenders list. Is it really worth it? 10 years down the drain. Employers want to have a positive work space, being a registered sex offender most likely won’t get you hired because it’d make it bad for the business. Not only does the victim have to live with it, but so does the suspect.