A state with a brain!

 

Virginia’s Penal Code addresses rape by fraud in a clear manner. Using “ruse” to undermine a victim’s consent is considered Sexual Battery, a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Crimes like the one committed by Donald Ward in Indiana, should qualify as Sexual Battery by Ruse in Virginia. Ward crept into the bed of a sleeping co-ed at Purdue University and engaged her in sex. The victim was asleep in her boyfriend’s bed and believed Ward was him.

Virginia’s treatment of sexual assaults is sensible. Their penal code divides misconduct by forcible and aggravated cases and lessor crimes. Initial violent convictions result in felony charges, but repeat misdemeanor offenses will raise the level of the charge to a felony.

Most sexual battery offenses, whether violent or not, will result in mandatory registration on the sex offender list.

Additionally, Virginia will prosecute offenders who transmit Aids, HIV, Hepatitis B or Syphillis.

If you’ve been sexually assaulted through a ruse in Virginia, please notify me at StopRomanceScams@ymail.com.

Code of Virginia § 18.2-67.4 – Sexual battery

18.2-67.4. Sexual battery.

A. An accused is guilty of sexual battery if he sexually abuses, as definedin 18.2-67.10, (i) the complaining witness against the will of the complaining witness, by force, threat, intimidation, or ruse.

B. Sexual battery is a Class 1 misdemeanor.