How did the U.S. Department of Justice change the FBI definition of rape in 2012?

In 2012, the U.S. Department of Justice updated the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting program definition of rape to better align with state criminal codes and the lived experiences of victims.1

The previous, narrow definition was limited by gender and age, characterizing rape strictly as an act of sexual intercourse by a man with a woman against her will. The updated definition is more inclusive and recognizes that both perpetrators and victims can be of any gender.1

Under the current definition, rape is defined as:

"the penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim."1

This change reflects the fundamental ethical principle that sexual violence is a severe violation of human autonomy and dignity, regardless of the gender of those involved. By broadening the scope of the definition, the justice system acknowledges the reality of sexual assault and seeks to provide more accurate reporting for this serious felony.21