On Friday the U.S. Department of Justice scrapped their outdated definition of rape in favour of one that recognizes both men and women can be victims, and rape is not limited to forced vaginal sex.

The new definition of rape is, “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 consent of the victim.” The previous definition created by the FBI’s Uniform Report was made in 1927 and stated rape as “The carnal knowledge of a female, forcibly and against her will.”

So what does this change really mean? Well it means that physical resistance is not necessary to show the victim did not give consent. This means if consent is not given because of “temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity,” which includes being intoxicated or underage, it can still be rape.

The new definition will however, not change the way local law enforcement responds to rape crimes. Most police departments already use an updated version of the FBI’s definition. What this definition will do is change how the FBI tracks sexual violence and rape in its reporting system. The hope is that with the new definition victims will feel more comfortable coming forward, in cases where they previously may have felt embarrassed.

Now let’s see if someone can come up with an effective non victim-shaming, teach people not to rape campaign.

Leah is in her last semester at Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada. Most of her life is currently dedicated to being a Senior Online Editor for the Ryerson Review of Journalism. However, she still finds time for her Storage Wars addiction. Follow her @ElleandBee

‘Tis the season to be jolly, to count thy blessings, and to make itemized lists of all the things you want. I used to wish for an easy bake oven, then Justin Timberlake’s hand in marriage, then an unlimited supply of Louboutins…oh, wait, I could still definitely go for that. In addition to a shoe closet to rival Mariah Carey’s (and world peace), I also wish for a shift in our collective sexual culture. We have all the potential to be sexually liberated, but we just won’t let ourselves — as a society — be that great. My ultimate five wishes are:

1. There would be free forms of birth control.

Unplanned pregnancy is awful. Abortion is not ideal. Luckily, there is this wonderful invention called contraception that would greatly decrease the occurrence of both. The reality of the situation is that people are going to have sex because it feels amazing, not always because they want to pop out babies, and our society needs to adjust to this and make contraception as accessible as possible. The risks of unprotected sex are far too great.

2.  Rape would never happen.

Without a doubt, rape and sexual assault are some of the most traumatizing experiences a person could ever endure, and it breaks my heart that 1 in 4 women will experience one or the other during her time in college. We live in a rape culture, where women are expected to always be available for sexual consumption and our language has stripped “rape” of its meaning (you did not rape your psychology final, okay?). In lieu of rape never happening, I would be over the moon if we could stop automatically jumping to the conclusion that all women who report rape are lying, conniving bitches who were totally asking for it because our skirts were short.

3. We could all be sluts, or prudes, and it wouldn’t be up for judgment. 

I don’t care if you’re saving yourself for marriage or for the next guy who buys you a shot, and no one else should either. As long as you’re being responsible, it’s all fair game.

4. Everyone who is sexually active would get tested regularly. 

Most STDs are not a big deal. They can be cleared up with antibiotics and are not any more disgusting than a cold or flu. If we could treat our sexual health like our dental or overall physical health, there would probably a lot less disease transmission, since people would be open about their status. Gonorrhea would be the new strep throat.

5. Everyone would have sex because they want to. 

There would be no having of sex because you feel peer pressure, or you desperately need validation, or because you were really, really, really wasted and you didn’t even know what you were doing for real. Sex should be fun. If it’s not, take a step back and re-evaluate. There’s nothing wrong with abstinence or celibacy.

Basically, I just want everyone to be sex-positive. What’s on your personal sexy wishlish? More orgasms? More kink? Less bad cunnilingus? I want to know!

A 10-year-old Mexican girl came into the news this week after giving birth to a 31-week-old baby. The main question on the public’s mind is: Was she raped?  So far, no one knows, but hospital workers immediately alerted the police, who are on the case. No matter what, though, the legal consent over there is 12, higher than her age, obviously. Still, the question remains: Who’s the baby daddy? The mother is in good health, but the baby (who was only 3.3 pounds at birth) remains in the intensive care unit. In the state where this happened, abortion is illegal, unless rape can be totally proven…but I mean, come on, with a 10-year-old there doesn’t seem to be much of a question.

On the two month anniversary of the first Occupy Wall Street gathering, New Yorkers gathered for an epic ‘Day of Action.’ After being evicted from their base-camp at Zuccotti Park by NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, protesters decided that Thursday would be the perfect opportunity to show that they’re still going strong. About 75 people were arrested in New York, but the event may have led to some anti-Occupy backlash. A month ago, 36% of Americans didn’t support Occupy interests. Today, 45% oppose them. Not so good for the 99%. But this photo may help them out a bit.

We learned (not that we didn’t already know…) that you can never guess what’s going to happen in the GOP race for president. The underdog, former not-a-chance candidate Herman Cain is still in the lead, despite the sexual harassment accusations that have been coming out of the woodwork over the last few weeks. Another woman has come forward against him, but whether Cain is guilty or not, he has other things to worry about. Like the seriously embarrassing moment when a reporter asked him about Obama’s Libya policy and he had no idea what to say. If Cain continues to mess up, Newt Gingrich, who was also formerly at the bottom of the pack, may ride his increasing popularity all the way to the front. (P.S. Sometimes I forget we have months till the first primary…)

Pic o’ the Week:

Kika Press/Zuma Press

Italy’s Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi finally resigned after months of bitter trials and media accusations, involving underage prostitution.

In typical discussions of rape, there is a lot of emphasis on”prevention”, and the responsibility always seems to land on women. Rape is a unique crime in that it tends to inspire victim-blaming. If someone is mugged, for example, very rarely do people come out of the woodwork to say they were asking for it, that they could have prevented it, that because of their lack of character, they deserved it. When a woman is raped, it is because she was doing something to invite it. She shouldn’t have been [wearing a skirt/drinking/flirting].

Rape is one of the few instances in where the onus is placed on the victim instead of the perpetrator. This is such an irresponsible stance to take, for many reasons. Rape is about a lack of consent. If a woman says “no” to sex, and she is coerced into it, it doesn’t matter what she’s wearing, if she’s been drinking, if she has a reputation for being promiscuous, or any other justification/excuse for force. The only way a woman can consent is with her words, at that very moment. Everything else is completely irrelevant.

And perhaps, the scariest statistic related to rape, is that most rape is actually not perpetrated by some random predator, that most rape is classified as some form of “acquaintance” rape.  It makes all the sense in the world to tell a woman to be careful when she’s in a room full of strangers, but who doesn’t let their guard down when they’re with people they or their friends know? Maybe it’s because rape is such a callous, inhumane, violent intrusion of someone else’s personal space and well-being that it is hard to wrap our minds around the idea of someone doing that to an acquaintance or lover? Is that why people would rather say that a rape victim is lying than believe her?

There needs to be an active focus on encouraging men not to rape. Encouraging men to be respectful of women, to listen when she says “no”, or expresses hesitation. To not perceive sex as purely an expression of masculinity. To not take advantage of women who are too under the influence to clearly say no. To understand that just because a woman says “yes” to one action doesn’t mean consent extends to every other action. That just because he’s dating someone doesn’t mean he’s ever entitled to sex. There also needs to be a shift away from the massive skepticism that tends to be placed upon women who speak out on their rapes. It is completely sexist that a crime that primarily affects women doesn’t seem to be taken seriously.

Last weekend in Toronto, where I live, a reported 1,000 people marched together in the first-ever SlutWalk. The campaign was a response to a comment made at a local university by a police officer, who said women should avoid “dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized.” The police have since apologized for the officer’s comment, but it still hit hard with the organizers of SlutWalk.

The idea of SlutWalk spread to two other Canadian cities over this past weekend. I unfortunately worked during the walk in Toronto, but many of my friends were out walking. While they said the walk was mainly positive, there were some groups of men holding signs reading things as “slut after-party.” Because unfortunately the idea that women who dress in a certain way bring negative attention onto themselves and are setting themselves up to be a target is still considered a valid idea by some people.

Why are we still blaming the victim? While women are taught to do all things possible to avoid being raped, our culture is still lacking a don’t rape message. While the White Ribbon campaign and Walk a Mile in Her Shoes are a step in the right direction, it’s clearly not enough. Just look at the frat boys from Yale who were made to chant ‘no means yes.’

Or how about when an 11-year-old gang-rape victim is blamed for dressing older than her age by a politician. If a victim, who is truly only a child, is being shamed, why on earth would anyone want to report a sexual assault. Though this might not be the entire reason, the U.S. Justice Department released a study in 2005 showing that 60 percent of sexual assaults go unreported.

Preventing sexual assault needs to move past the victim. When you hear that Take Back the Night has been happening for thirty-three years, you realize that many issues revolving around sexual assault are seen as responsibilities of the victim. Women should avoid walking alone at night, women should be careful about their drinks at the bar, and women should watch how they dress. When according to RAINN, 38 percent of rape victims know their attacker, is this really enough?

How do we change the attitudes around sexual assault? When will we stop blaming the victim and start blaming the rapist?

Researchers from Florida State University released a study on what makes men monogamous. According to the study, relationship status determines how attractive men find women during different stages of their menstrual cycle. Guys that are single find women most attractive at the peak of ovulation – also known as the best time to get preggers. Alternatively, committed guys find women less attractive when they are more fertile. So for guys in a relationship, finding a woman less attractive at the peak of fertility is seen as reducing the temptation.

Need another reason not to go down on a guy? US scientists said there is strong evidence linking cancer and oral sex. In the US tobacco use has been outranked by HPV as the leading cause of oral cancer. The study shows that oral sex is still sex, and the more partners you have the higher the risk of getting any STI. The real message in this? Protection is key no matter what type of sex you’re having.

A judge in Manitoba (Canada) ruled that because a rape victim “wanted to party” a convicted rapist will not serve time in jail. The judge also said this case should not be seen as precedent, as it is not a “typical” case. Around the world there is constant debate about “victim shaming” and what role the victim plays in rape. Last year in Australia a jury questioned whether the difficulties in removing skinny jeans showed suspected rape was actually consensual…and a man accused of rape was acquitted.

A study done by a University of Michigan psychologist, Terri Conley, shows women are just as likely to engage in casual sex than men, if the person suggesting is equivalent in sexual prowess. The study also shows both women and men are sexually motivated by pleasure and that making babies simply occurs as a result of people having sex from pleasure. The study disproves a previous notion that women have sex with people they think can take care of them. Conley asked women if they would have sex with Johnny Depp (looks) or Donald Trump (money), and not surprisingly (to me anyways) the majority said Johnny Depp.  No matter how much moolah sleeping with the hair might get them, women still swoon for Johnny. [Editor's Note: Horrible question...Johnny Depp is rich, too!] Research also shows that women turn down casual sex not because they don’t want to get it on, but because they think it won’t be pleasurable. 

What do you think about all of this? Giving head is bad! Victim-shaming is in! This is a lot to think about.

In the late 1800s, children’s literature split into two overall genres: boys’ books and girls’ books. Although girls’ literature continues to be published today, the recognition of female protagonists is often overlooked. In a world full of Mowglis (from The Jungle Book) and Harry Potters, it’s hard for girl characters to get the recognition they deserve. However, though these novels may not receive attention from critics the way boys’ books often do (they are more likely to be critically acclaimed), girls’ literature has been incredibly influential in shaping girl culture overall.

These novels are considered to be classic pieces of girls’ fiction and the issues they touch on helped put the culture of girls and women on the map as an important issue in literature. These novels changed the genre with their forefront issues of gender, socio-economic class systems, body-image and eating disorder acknowledgment, racial discrimination and minority representation, sexual abuse recovery, and the abandonment of young girls by their families and in their educations … simply because they weren’t boys.

Even if sentimental novels or ghost stories aren’t your thing, there will be some story that you will identify with. Perhaps though, identification of yourself in a character is the most important part of girls’ literature and its role in our lives today. Women, no matter what age, can see themselves in these protagonists – and that is why these novels are still around, despite not being critically acclaimed for hundreds of years. And that’s even more reason why every girl (or woman!) should add these to her must-read list:

1. The Wide, Wide World by Susan Warner: Not only is this the first main girl character in girls’ literature, The Wide, Wide World was the first American bestselling novel and it came out in 1850. You’ve probably never heard of it though, even though it was one of the first novels to ever sell over a million copies. Although the female protagonist Ellen Montgomery is wishy-washy and full of tears, the story is worth your time because the sentimentalism of this novel will suck you in. People always say you need to understand the past to know the future – and this is the founding past of girls’ literature. Without Ellen Montgomery, who knows where characters such as Jo from Little Women and even Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl would be.

2. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: This is the go-to book for girls’ literature. Alcott’s story features a sisterly bond between the March girls: Meg, Jo, Amy, and Beth. While this may be on nearly every high school’s required reading lists causing America Literature students to roll their eyes, Little Women manages to be one of the most beloved and frequently studied girls’ novels of all time – despite its 1868 publishing date. Every time I read this novel, I find something new to fall in love with. And not only will the story give you something to hold onto, Alcott’s writing celebrates her influences, such as Ralph Waldo Emerson’s work, making this novel a multi-layered literature feast of goodness!

3. Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggins: Published in 1903, Rebecca’s personality is dazzling. She writes poetry, makes her mean and nasty aunts fall in love with her, and manages to find happiness – even though her family had to send her away. Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm is a simple story, but an overall rewarding read! Rebecca pulled at my heartstrings, but still managed to make me laugh.

4. Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter: How often do you hear the term “don’t be a Pollyanna” or “I don’t mean to be a Pollyanna”? It stems from this little lady from the 1913 novel. Pollyanna plays a game, wherever she goes – entitled “the Glad Game.” Despite rolling my eyes at the “Glad Game,” Pollyanna’s one of the most talked about girls’ literature characters of all time, even today. So, are you a Pollyanna or not?

5. Nancy Drew by “Caroline Keene”: A product of a publishing company, the Nancy Drew series has been written by a ghost writer ever since the beginning. Since her debut in 1930, Nancy has become one of the most well-known female protagonists. Nancy solves mysteries and constantly seeks out adventure, all while managing to be the epitome of a girly girl. While some love her and others hate her, Nancy remains timeless with new novels and revised editions hitting the shelves ever since her original debut. Most recently, Nancy Drew turned into a major Hollywood production in the 2007 film with Emma Roberts playing Nancy – giving a new batch of young girls a look at this iconic character.

6. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith: This novel came out in 1943. You will fall in love with Francie Nolan as an 11-year-old in Brooklyn, and you will end your story with a 17 year old Francie – still making you smile and want to fight for your own dreams. The novel highlights a tree that grows and flourishes even in the worst of circumstances – just like Francie. But despite the hardships in Francie’s life, you never doubt her ability to grow and succeed. This may be one of the most underrated novels of the 20^th century.

7. Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh: Harriet is one of the most self-centered girl characters of all-time, but her insights – even a child – are amazing. This novel a lot of influence on Harriet’s coming-to-terms with her own self, all through the form of a diary and “spying.” Published in 1964, this novel was revolutionary for the genre of girls’ literature. Today, Harriet is still a memorable character with a Hollywood film remake released in 1996 and a 2010 Disney TV movie featuring a blog, instead of a spy journal. If I had to recommend one single girls’ book, Harriet the Spy would be my top pick because although Harriet can be a brat, the progression of her character from the beginning of the novel to the end will change you, as much as it changed her.

8. Sweet Whispers, Brother Rush by Virginia Hamilton: Tree, the young protagonist in this 1982 novel, will catch your attention – even through her family’s hardships will break your heart. In the 200-something pages, Tree sees a ghost, yearns for her mother, and loses her best friend and brother, Dabney. Although the story is sad, Hamilton pulls readers in with this unique piece of fiction. The genre of girls’ literature does not have enough minority representation, but Sweet Whispers, Brother Rush manages to fill a gap and finds a place in reader’s hearts.

9. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson: Published in 1999, Speak has become one of the most talked-about girls’ books within the last ten years. Melinda, the main character, is raped – but she doesn’t tell anyone until the end of the novel. Although readers will scream “Tell!” as they turn the pages of this novel, there is something hopeful and interesting about Melinda’s high school insecurity. According to RAINN (the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network), 1 in 6 women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime – making Melinda’s struggle important to understand.

10. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Anne Brashares: Who doesn’t know The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants? The first novel came out in 2001, and since then two movies have been made along with the release of three other Sisterhood novels. Carmen, Lena, Bee, and Tibby have a committed bond and friendship to each other, and their personal journeys make coming-of-age seem worthwhile. In a world of Gossip Girl novels, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants puts the focus on girls and their potential – instead of undermining their beliefs and futures.
What’s your favorite girls’ book?

Celebrate National Author’s Day with one of these 10 picks or click here for even more must-reads.

As college women, sexual assault is a frighteningly real issue on many of our campuses. So when I saw this story, I was pretty outraged. To catch you up to speed, an Australian jury just acquitted a young man of rape because the victim was wearing skinny jeans. Yes, skinny jeans. According to the jury, it wouldn’t be possible for the young man to remove the victim’s jeans without “collaboration,” so he must not be guilty.

I think it’s safe to say that if this young woman said she was raped, if she felt the sex was not consensual, it doesn’t matter who removed her jeans. Let’s say the alleged rapist and his victim “collaborated” to take her pants off. That fact alone does not prove that rape did not occur. Any situation in which one party feels that sexual contact was not consensual is, by definition, sexual assault. Even if she helped take her pants off. Even if she took them off all by herself.

I know there are women (and men, too) who have cried wolf about rape and sexual assault in the past. But people who lead us to believe that sexual assault isn’t a big deal are ignoring the statistics, which show that as many as one in four college women are victims of sexual assault at least once during their college years.

This young woman clearly felt that the sex was not consensual, and for that reason, she is not at fault. Even if she had been drinking. Even if she chose to go home with someone. Even if she was wearing skinny jeans.

What do you guys think? Is there any situation where this young woman could be at fault? At what point is sex consensual?

A few weeks ago, one CollegeCandy writer asked if blackout mistakes should be forgiven. In a similar vain, earlier this week, a Princeton student asked if we are responsible for our choices when blacked out. More specifically, when a girl is raped while drunk, is it her fault?

Iulia Neagu, a freshman at Princeton, recently wrote about a(n ex) friend’s claim that she was raped while drunk.  Neagu said, in response to the question of whether or not the friend was responsible for her drunken actions:

“She knew what would happen if she started drinking. We all know that the more people drink, the less likely they are to make wise decisions. It is common sense. Therefore, the girl willingly got herself into a state in which she could not act rationally. This, in my opinion, is equivalent to agreeing to anything that might happen to her while in this state. In the case of our girl, this happened to be sex with a stranger.”

Of course, this girl has been in the line of fire since the article was published, with uproar occurring on both sides of the debate, but the most vocal chorus has been (understandably) from outraged women who believe that this article’s opinion gives men free reign to take advantage of drunk girls.

As a college student who does drink, this article hits close to home.  Of course drinking to complete blackout status is not only a terrible idea, but can be dangerous. Alcohol decreases our inhibitions and too much of it can get us into situations in which we have no control. But does that mean that we are then responsible for being raped? Of course not.

Drunk or not, being attacked or taken advantage of by a man is not our fault. We are, of course, more vulnerable, but our inebriation should not leave us open to attack.  Despite the fact that rape is always a scary possibility for a woman – especially when alcohol is involved – no one under any circumstances deserves it.

But while some people argue that Neagu’s article basically puts all the blame on women and gives men the perfect argument to do whatever they want to drunk girls, I disagree.  Neagu’s point, while harsh, does not say that women are solely responsible for what happens to them when they are intoxicated. Her point is that drinking to excess isn’t good for anyone and often leads to bad decisions that an otherwise sober person wouldn’t make.  I believe her point is that women need to be aware of their drinking and the decisions that they make when drunk. If they wouldn’t do something sober, they shouldn’t be doing it at all.

And that goes for guys, too.

What do you think? Read Neagu’s article here and leave your comments below.

Did she cheat?
Did she vandalize?
Did she hurt someone?

No, Geisy incited a mass riot among her fellow students. For showing up to school wearing a mini skirt and “heavy makeup.”

That’s right, when she arrived to school dressed up for the day her fellow students crowded her classroom door, shouting for her to come out so that they could rape her. As she was escorted out, the male students screamed “Puta!” and “whore!” while grabbing at Arruda and attempting to take cell phone pictures between her legs.

The next day Arruda was informed through an ad in the school newspaper that she was expelled, not even given the courtesy of being called and informed of this directly. Their reason for expulsion?  Her dress provoked a “collective reaction in defense of the school environment.”

And what environment is this exactly? One where the male students can do whatever they feel like?  Threaten women with violent and disgusting acts like rape? Leave class and start rioting in the hallways without even a slap on the wrist? Not only are they not being reprimanded for their outlandish behavior, but they are actually being defended by the school, all while this poor girl is made out to be a criminal. And for what? Putting on some eyeliner and wearing a cute sweater-mini to class?

The way this incident is being handled is perpetuating a belief system that places the blame of harassment and rape on women. It is taking the focus off of the men who brutalized Arruda and making her the perpetrator instead of the victim. What kind of learning environment is this where women must live in fear of the students around her? Where she can be chased from campus when the guy sitting next to her doesn’t agree with her choice of clothing?

If anyone should be expelled for disrupting the “school environment”  it is the male students who verbally abused Arruda. I’m pretty sure riots on campus are far more distracting than a skirt and a little mascara.