Latest items for LRW-LAW-1
Nov. 4, 2026, 8:53 p.m.
Countries: Denmark
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-LAW-1, LRW-LAW-2, LRCM-PRACTICE-1, LRCM-LAW-2, DV-PRACTICE-1, DV-LAW-1, DV-LAW-2
“Danish law criminalized rape of a person, regardless of gender, including spousal rape and domestic violence. Penalties for rape included imprisonment for up to 12 years for aggravated circumstances and up to six years for domestic violence. Greenlandic law criminalized rape. Greenland’s Criminal Code did not specify minimum and maximum penalties, and sentences were decided by the court on a case-by-case basis. The law was applied equally regardless of the marital relationship of the offender and the survivor. The law provided that sentencing be based on the severity of the case as well as an individual evaluation of the offender. Sentencing was typically between 12 and 18 months. Denmark and...more
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-LAW-1, LRW-LAW-2, LRCM-PRACTICE-1, LRCM-LAW-2, DV-PRACTICE-1, DV-LAW-1, DV-LAW-2
“Danish law criminalized rape of a person, regardless of gender, including spousal rape and domestic violence. Penalties for rape included imprisonment for up to 12 years for aggravated circumstances and up to six years for domestic violence. Greenlandic law criminalized rape. Greenland’s Criminal Code did not specify minimum and maximum penalties, and sentences were decided by the court on a case-by-case basis. The law was applied equally regardless of the marital relationship of the offender and the survivor. The law provided that sentencing be based on the severity of the case as well as an individual evaluation of the offender. Sentencing was typically between 12 and 18 months. Denmark and...more
Nov. 4, 2026, 8:50 p.m.
Countries: Czech Republic
Variables: LRW-LAW-1, LRW-LAW-2, LRCM-LAW-2
“The law prohibited rape of a person, regardless of gender, including spousal rape, as well as domestic or intimate partner violence, and provided for a penalty of two to 10 years in prison for violations, with longer sentences in aggravated circumstances. The law included a narrow definition of rape requiring the presence of violence or the threat of violence, which was out of line with the definition of rape included in the Council of Europe’s Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, which the country signed in 2016. Although the government enforced the law effectively, some police officers and judges implicitly condoned genderbased or domestic violence....more
Variables: LRW-LAW-1, LRW-LAW-2, LRCM-LAW-2
“The law prohibited rape of a person, regardless of gender, including spousal rape, as well as domestic or intimate partner violence, and provided for a penalty of two to 10 years in prison for violations, with longer sentences in aggravated circumstances. The law included a narrow definition of rape requiring the presence of violence or the threat of violence, which was out of line with the definition of rape included in the Council of Europe’s Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, which the country signed in 2016. Although the government enforced the law effectively, some police officers and judges implicitly condoned genderbased or domestic violence....more
Nov. 4, 2026, 8:41 p.m.
Countries: Cyprus
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-LAW-1
“ROC law criminalized rape of a person, regardless of gender, including spousal and domestic or intimate partner rape and other forms of domestic and sexual violence, with a maximum sentence of life in prison...The government generally enforced the law effectively, although many cases went unreported” (33). “In the area administered by Turkish Cypriots, the ‘law’ criminalized rape of a person, regardless of gender, including spousal rape, and provided for a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. ‘Authorities’ and ‘police’ did not enforce the ‘law’ effectively” (34).
Variables: LRW-PRACTICE-1, LRW-LAW-1
“ROC law criminalized rape of a person, regardless of gender, including spousal and domestic or intimate partner rape and other forms of domestic and sexual violence, with a maximum sentence of life in prison...The government generally enforced the law effectively, although many cases went unreported” (33). “In the area administered by Turkish Cypriots, the ‘law’ criminalized rape of a person, regardless of gender, including spousal rape, and provided for a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. ‘Authorities’ and ‘police’ did not enforce the ‘law’ effectively” (34).
Nov. 2, 2026, 9:17 p.m.
Countries: Guinea-Bissau
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Guinea Bissau includes an exemption where ‘the behavior of the victim has considerably contributed' to the rape" (para 28).
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Guinea Bissau includes an exemption where ‘the behavior of the victim has considerably contributed' to the rape" (para 28).
Nov. 2, 2026, 9:11 p.m.
Countries: Eritrea
Variables: LRW-LAW-1, LRCM-LAW-2
"Eritrea only criminalizes marital rape when spouses are not living together" (para 15).
Variables: LRW-LAW-1, LRCM-LAW-2
"Eritrea only criminalizes marital rape when spouses are not living together" (para 15).
Nov. 2, 2026, 9:03 p.m.
Countries: South Sudan
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Cote D’Ivoire, Gambia, Seychelles, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia and South Sudan do not criminalise marital rape. South Sudan explicitly notes that non-consensual sexual intercourse within marriage does not constitute rape" (para 13).
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Cote D’Ivoire, Gambia, Seychelles, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia and South Sudan do not criminalise marital rape. South Sudan explicitly notes that non-consensual sexual intercourse within marriage does not constitute rape" (para 13).
Nov. 2, 2026, 9:02 p.m.
Countries: Equatorial Guinea
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Cote D’Ivoire, Gambia, Seychelles, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia and South Sudan do not criminalise marital rape. South Sudan explicitly notes that non-consensual sexual intercourse within marriage does not constitute rape" (para 13). "In Equatorial Guinea, for example, out-of-court settlements are legally permitted when a rape victim explicitly or tacitly forgives the perpetrator" (para 21). "In Equatorial Guinea, Article 429 of the Criminal Code states that 'rape of a woman shall be punished with minor confinement' (para 27).
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Cote D’Ivoire, Gambia, Seychelles, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia and South Sudan do not criminalise marital rape. South Sudan explicitly notes that non-consensual sexual intercourse within marriage does not constitute rape" (para 13). "In Equatorial Guinea, for example, out-of-court settlements are legally permitted when a rape victim explicitly or tacitly forgives the perpetrator" (para 21). "In Equatorial Guinea, Article 429 of the Criminal Code states that 'rape of a woman shall be punished with minor confinement' (para 27).
Nov. 2, 2026, 8:58 p.m.
Countries: Ethiopia, Gambia
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Cote D’Ivoire, Gambia, Seychelles, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia and South Sudan do not criminalise marital rape. South Sudan explicitly notes that non-consensual sexual intercourse within marriage does not constitute rape" (para 13).
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Cote D’Ivoire, Gambia, Seychelles, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia and South Sudan do not criminalise marital rape. South Sudan explicitly notes that non-consensual sexual intercourse within marriage does not constitute rape" (para 13).
Nov. 2, 2026, 8:56 p.m.
Countries: Cote D'Ivoire
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Cote D’Ivoire, Gambia, Seychelles, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia and South Sudan do not criminalise marital rape" (para 13). "The Penal Code of Côte d’Ivoire provides for the presumption of married couples’ consent to the sexual act unless proven otherwise" (para 14).
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Cote D’Ivoire, Gambia, Seychelles, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia and South Sudan do not criminalise marital rape" (para 13). "The Penal Code of Côte d’Ivoire provides for the presumption of married couples’ consent to the sexual act unless proven otherwise" (para 14).
Oct. 29, 2026, 12:57 p.m.
Countries: Eritrea
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Sex outside marriage is legal in Eritrea, but adultery is a crime. If it cannot be proven that the act was non-consensual and a third party complains to the authorities about adultery, the victim could face counter-charges" (para 30).
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Sex outside marriage is legal in Eritrea, but adultery is a crime. If it cannot be proven that the act was non-consensual and a third party complains to the authorities about adultery, the victim could face counter-charges" (para 30).
Oct. 27, 2026, 11:55 a.m.
Countries: Canada
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"“There’s a series of sexual offences that will see higher maximum penalties as a result of this legislation and, at the same time, we will be following the guidance of the Supreme Court of Canada to restore mandatory minimum penalties in a way that is constitutionally compliant,” he said." (para 8)
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"“There’s a series of sexual offences that will see higher maximum penalties as a result of this legislation and, at the same time, we will be following the guidance of the Supreme Court of Canada to restore mandatory minimum penalties in a way that is constitutionally compliant,” he said." (para 8)
Oct. 25, 2026, 4:11 p.m.
Countries: Equatorial Guinea
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Domestic violence is prohibited under Equatorial Guinea's legal framework The Penal Code stipulates penalties ranging from one to 20 years' imprisonment for assault. However, the law does not adequately address spousal rape or gender-based violence as aggravating factors" (para 4).
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Domestic violence is prohibited under Equatorial Guinea's legal framework The Penal Code stipulates penalties ranging from one to 20 years' imprisonment for assault. However, the law does not adequately address spousal rape or gender-based violence as aggravating factors" (para 4).
Oct. 25, 2026, 4:04 p.m.
Countries: Equatorial Guinea
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Rape is defined narrowly in Article 429 of the Criminal Code of Equatorial Guinea, as sexual intercourse (i) which is coerced with the use of force or intimidation; (ii) with a woman deprived of reason or understanding; or (ii) with a victim under the age of 12. It is not defined in relation to non-consent" (para 6).
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Rape is defined narrowly in Article 429 of the Criminal Code of Equatorial Guinea, as sexual intercourse (i) which is coerced with the use of force or intimidation; (ii) with a woman deprived of reason or understanding; or (ii) with a victim under the age of 12. It is not defined in relation to non-consent" (para 6).
Oct. 25, 2026, 3:58 p.m.
Countries: Ethiopia
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Another legal gap is the failure to legally recognize marital rape. Ethiopia does not have a law that explicitly outlaws/prohibits marital rape. The criminal code of Ethiopia (Article 620) exludes marital rape, in defining rape as sexual intercourse 'outside wedlock' and this is incosistent with Article 9 of the Ethiopian Constitution that accepts international legal instruments ratified by the country to be part and parcel of the country's legal practices" (19).
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Another legal gap is the failure to legally recognize marital rape. Ethiopia does not have a law that explicitly outlaws/prohibits marital rape. The criminal code of Ethiopia (Article 620) exludes marital rape, in defining rape as sexual intercourse 'outside wedlock' and this is incosistent with Article 9 of the Ethiopian Constitution that accepts international legal instruments ratified by the country to be part and parcel of the country's legal practices" (19).
Oct. 25, 2026, 3:45 p.m.
Countries: Ethiopia
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"With regard to rape or sexual outrage against minors, alias “statutory rape”, it appears that the criminal code of Ethiopia has given sufficient protection against these acts. The Age of Consent in Ethiopia is 18 years old. The age of consent is the minimum age at which an individual is considered legally old enough to consent to participation in sexual activity. Individuals aged 17 or younger in Ethiopia are not legally able to consent to sexual activity, and such activity may result in prosecution for statutory rape or the equivalent local law. “Rape committed against a young woman between thirteen and eighteen years of age, is an aggravated crime under...more
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"With regard to rape or sexual outrage against minors, alias “statutory rape”, it appears that the criminal code of Ethiopia has given sufficient protection against these acts. The Age of Consent in Ethiopia is 18 years old. The age of consent is the minimum age at which an individual is considered legally old enough to consent to participation in sexual activity. Individuals aged 17 or younger in Ethiopia are not legally able to consent to sexual activity, and such activity may result in prosecution for statutory rape or the equivalent local law. “Rape committed against a young woman between thirteen and eighteen years of age, is an aggravated crime under...more
Oct. 25, 2026, 3:33 p.m.
Countries: Ethiopia
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"In the 2004 criminal code of Ethiopia, Article 620 defines rape as an act where whoever compels a woman to submit to sexual intercourse outside wedlock, whether by the use of violence or grave intimidation, or after having rendered her unconscious or incapable of resistance, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment from five years to fifteen years. This section categorically criminalized rape outside a wedlock, which is indicative of the reality that compelled sex within wedlock will not be rape in accordance with Ethiopian law. When the act is between Spouses, it is not a crime of rape, even in instances of non-consent or the application of force" (para 4).more
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"In the 2004 criminal code of Ethiopia, Article 620 defines rape as an act where whoever compels a woman to submit to sexual intercourse outside wedlock, whether by the use of violence or grave intimidation, or after having rendered her unconscious or incapable of resistance, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment from five years to fifteen years. This section categorically criminalized rape outside a wedlock, which is indicative of the reality that compelled sex within wedlock will not be rape in accordance with Ethiopian law. When the act is between Spouses, it is not a crime of rape, even in instances of non-consent or the application of force" (para 4).more
Oct. 25, 2026, 3:17 p.m.
Countries: Eritrea
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Eritrean Penal Code of 1957 (Articles 594-599) prohibits rape and provides harsh penalties for sexual violence against women" (para 5).
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Eritrean Penal Code of 1957 (Articles 594-599) prohibits rape and provides harsh penalties for sexual violence against women" (para 5).
Oct. 25, 2026, 6:37 a.m.
Countries: Estonia
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Estonia is currently undergoing an active phase of reforms. One significant change is that officers arriving at the scene of a crime can now ban the perpetrator from returning home for up to 72 hours (previously only 12 hours). However, the most important change is yet to come – a definition of rape based on the absence of clearly expressed consent. The law is expected to take effect on January 1, 2027" (para 10-11, 25).
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Estonia is currently undergoing an active phase of reforms. One significant change is that officers arriving at the scene of a crime can now ban the perpetrator from returning home for up to 72 hours (previously only 12 hours). However, the most important change is yet to come – a definition of rape based on the absence of clearly expressed consent. The law is expected to take effect on January 1, 2027" (para 10-11, 25).
Oct. 25, 2026, 6:27 a.m.
Countries: Estonia
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Sexual acts with minors under 14 are strictly illegal and considered statutory rape or sexual abuse" (para 4).
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Sexual acts with minors under 14 are strictly illegal and considered statutory rape or sexual abuse" (para 4).
Oct. 25, 2026, 6:12 a.m.
Countries: Estonia
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"[T]he Riigikogu approved the so‑called consent law, which establishes that clear consent is required for sexual relations. A total of 69 members of parliament voted in favor and eight voted against. The explanatory memorandum to the bill notes that under current law, if a person reports to the police that they were raped, it is legally considered rape only if violence was used against the victim or if the victim was in a helpless state (i.e., unable to resist or understand what was happening). Estonia has joined the Istanbul Convention, which requires that sexual intercourse without a person’s consent be punishable, regardless of whether violence was used or whether the...more
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"[T]he Riigikogu approved the so‑called consent law, which establishes that clear consent is required for sexual relations. A total of 69 members of parliament voted in favor and eight voted against. The explanatory memorandum to the bill notes that under current law, if a person reports to the police that they were raped, it is legally considered rape only if violence was used against the victim or if the victim was in a helpless state (i.e., unable to resist or understand what was happening). Estonia has joined the Istanbul Convention, which requires that sexual intercourse without a person’s consent be punishable, regardless of whether violence was used or whether the...more
Oct. 25, 2026, 5:45 a.m.
Countries: Equatorial Guinea
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"The Criminal Code of Equatorial Guinea prohibits rape under Article 429. The narrow definition of rape only covers sexual intercourse through the use of force and coercion, with a woman deprived of reason or understanding, or with children under the age of 12. The large gap in the protection of children between the ages of 12 and 18 thus leads to a significant percentage of child brides. Article 296 of the 1963 Penal Code sets out the penalties for rape, but does not recognise marital rape as an offence. Moreover, Article 443 of the Penal Code allows rapists to escape punishment by marrying their victims" (12).
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"The Criminal Code of Equatorial Guinea prohibits rape under Article 429. The narrow definition of rape only covers sexual intercourse through the use of force and coercion, with a woman deprived of reason or understanding, or with children under the age of 12. The large gap in the protection of children between the ages of 12 and 18 thus leads to a significant percentage of child brides. Article 296 of the 1963 Penal Code sets out the penalties for rape, but does not recognise marital rape as an offence. Moreover, Article 443 of the Penal Code allows rapists to escape punishment by marrying their victims" (12).
Oct. 24, 2026, 2:59 p.m.
Countries: Austria, France
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Some EU states, such as France and Austria, still have a legal definition of rape based on the use of violence or threats" (para 2).
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Some EU states, such as France and Austria, still have a legal definition of rape based on the use of violence or threats" (para 2).
Oct. 24, 2026, 2:58 p.m.
Countries: Croatia, Greece, Spain
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Sixteen European countries have changed their legal definitions of rape in recent years, with some countries such as Croatia, Spain and Greece changing it according to the principle of "yes means yes" (i.e. the absence of active consent is all this is needed to prove rape)" (para 2).
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"Sixteen European countries have changed their legal definitions of rape in recent years, with some countries such as Croatia, Spain and Greece changing it according to the principle of "yes means yes" (i.e. the absence of active consent is all this is needed to prove rape)" (para 2).
Oct. 24, 2026, 2:47 p.m.
Countries: Czech Republic
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"President Petr Pavel signed an amendment on Friday which will change the definition of rape in Czech law from forced to non-consensual sexual intercourse. The change will apply from January of next year... Sixteen European countries have changed their legal definitions of rape in recent years, with some countries such as Croatia, Spain and Greece changing it according to the principle of 'yes means yes' (i.e. the absence of active consent is all this is needed to prove rape), while others, like Czechia, have changed it according to the 'no means no' principle (i.e. physical or verbal coercion doesn't have to be proven and a lack of consent can be...more
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"President Petr Pavel signed an amendment on Friday which will change the definition of rape in Czech law from forced to non-consensual sexual intercourse. The change will apply from January of next year... Sixteen European countries have changed their legal definitions of rape in recent years, with some countries such as Croatia, Spain and Greece changing it according to the principle of 'yes means yes' (i.e. the absence of active consent is all this is needed to prove rape), while others, like Czechia, have changed it according to the 'no means no' principle (i.e. physical or verbal coercion doesn't have to be proven and a lack of consent can be...more
Oct. 24, 2026, 1:51 p.m.
Countries: El Salvador
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"The law criminalizes rape of men or women, and the law’s definition of rape may apply to spousal rape, at the judge’s discretion. The law requires the FGR to prosecute rape cases whether or not the victim presses charges, and the law does not permit the victim to withdraw the criminal charge. The penalty for conviction of rape is generally imprisonment for six to 10 years. Laws against rape were not effectively enforced" (20).
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"The law criminalizes rape of men or women, and the law’s definition of rape may apply to spousal rape, at the judge’s discretion. The law requires the FGR to prosecute rape cases whether or not the victim presses charges, and the law does not permit the victim to withdraw the criminal charge. The penalty for conviction of rape is generally imprisonment for six to 10 years. Laws against rape were not effectively enforced" (20).
Oct. 24, 2026, 1:32 p.m.
Countries: El Salvador
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"According to the content of the reforms, the criminal liability of a person will be aggravated when the crime is committed by one or more persons who belong to illegal groups or when the crime is committed in a district or territory other than that of the domicile of the accused. Therefore, anyone who deprives another of individual liberty will be punished with imprisonment of three to eight years. While whoever commits the crime of rape would have a prison sentence of 10 to 16 years and when it is a rape of a minor or incapacitated, the penalty will be extended between 18 and 26 years. Statutory rape will...more
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"According to the content of the reforms, the criminal liability of a person will be aggravated when the crime is committed by one or more persons who belong to illegal groups or when the crime is committed in a district or territory other than that of the domicile of the accused. Therefore, anyone who deprives another of individual liberty will be punished with imprisonment of three to eight years. While whoever commits the crime of rape would have a prison sentence of 10 to 16 years and when it is a rape of a minor or incapacitated, the penalty will be extended between 18 and 26 years. Statutory rape will...more
Oct. 24, 2026, 1:26 p.m.
Countries: El Salvador
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"With 81 votes, the deputies endorsed increasing the sentences for the crime of rape, for which it was necessary to make reforms to articles 158 and 162 of the Penal Code. Previously, this crime was punishable by between six and 10 years in prison. The amendments made establish sentences of between eight and 12 years, which is more in line with and proportional to the damage inflicted on the victim. In addition to the increase in sentences, aggravating circumstances have been added that increase the maximum penalty by up to two thirds (up to 36 years in prison). These aggravating circumstances are: that the crime is committed against people over...more
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"With 81 votes, the deputies endorsed increasing the sentences for the crime of rape, for which it was necessary to make reforms to articles 158 and 162 of the Penal Code. Previously, this crime was punishable by between six and 10 years in prison. The amendments made establish sentences of between eight and 12 years, which is more in line with and proportional to the damage inflicted on the victim. In addition to the increase in sentences, aggravating circumstances have been added that increase the maximum penalty by up to two thirds (up to 36 years in prison). These aggravating circumstances are: that the crime is committed against people over...more
Oct. 24, 2026, 12:58 p.m.
Countries: Egypt
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"With regard to the offences of indecent assault, the same article [267] clarifies that anyone who assaults a boy or girl under the age of 18 without the use of force or threat shall be punished by imprisonment, while the penalty shall be increased to aggravated imprisonment for a period of not less than seven years if the victim has not exceeded 12 years, or if the offender is covered by the aggravating circumstances provided for in article 267. Article 267 also increases the penalty for crimes of sexual intercourse with a female without her consent, up to death or life imprisonment, and the death penalty is mandatory if the...more
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"With regard to the offences of indecent assault, the same article [267] clarifies that anyone who assaults a boy or girl under the age of 18 without the use of force or threat shall be punished by imprisonment, while the penalty shall be increased to aggravated imprisonment for a period of not less than seven years if the victim has not exceeded 12 years, or if the offender is covered by the aggravating circumstances provided for in article 267. Article 267 also increases the penalty for crimes of sexual intercourse with a female without her consent, up to death or life imprisonment, and the death penalty is mandatory if the...more
Oct. 24, 2026, 12:24 p.m.
Countries: Egypt
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"The Egyptian law criminalizes rape, stating, “Whoever lies with a female without her consent shall be punished with the death penalty or life imprisonment.” However, marital rape—sexual intercourse with a spouse without their consent—is not criminalized" (para 3).
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"The Egyptian law criminalizes rape, stating, “Whoever lies with a female without her consent shall be punished with the death penalty or life imprisonment.” However, marital rape—sexual intercourse with a spouse without their consent—is not criminalized" (para 3).
Oct. 24, 2026, 12:14 p.m.
Countries: Egypt
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"In Egypt, marital rape is not explicitly prohibited by law. This lack of legal recognition or definition contributes to the widespread acceptance and underreporting of marital rape" (4).
Variables: LRW-LAW-1
"In Egypt, marital rape is not explicitly prohibited by law. This lack of legal recognition or definition contributes to the widespread acceptance and underreporting of marital rape" (4).