[smudgie]

Originally Posted by Marsh.

Not really. Rape is rape, if it's a "lesser" crime, it's just another form of sexual assault. Rape is a specific sexual assault, surely?

Rape is rape, I agree, however there are different degrees.
All rapists found guilty of the crime should be punished accordingly.
Date rape.
A “friend” helps himself when helping you to bed due to you being drunk.
A partner decides he will turn you over and force anal sex against your wishes.
A stranger viciously attacks and rapes you walking home late at night (or any other time).
The mental anguish should be taken into account in all cases.