EDITOR, The Tribune.

The laws governing what is rape and what isn’t urgently need review - repeat probably and a new sensibly written law will co-exist with modern convention and Statute Law.

Remove the word marital it’s inclusion existing is unjust - discriminatory and does not cover the fullest description of what and how rape can occur - remove the word “marital”.

Rape by basic definition the forcible taking agreement/acceptance to the sexual act on either gender, not either, on another totally against the will of the other party.

If any of either gender - without either party agreeing is forcibly against their will into a sex act of any kind does not have to be limited to intercourse or anal sex - that is Rape.

There has to be worry as to the process of reporting rape - unfortunately it is well established that in some cases a female trying to report rape is almost as traumatic as the rape itself.

Every police station should have trained officers who will interview the person making the claim - those interviews must be video recorded. Once the claim is established the police team stops and calls in a specialist psychologist who will then interview the claimant - assess and probably carry out the criminal rape kit/test. No claimant should have to wait more than 48 hours before knowing the Police have concluded that a rape occurred and they will take all steps to arrest the offender.

PAULA MINNS

Nassau,

September 1, 2022.