Brazil's Senate harshens punishment for gang rape
Congresswomen demonstrate against rape culture.
A week after a gang rape of a 16-year-old girl in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday (May 21) became public, Brazil's Senate approved a bill by unanimous vote on Tuesday (31) to define gang rape and dissemination of gang rape imagery as a crime and harshen the applicable penalty.
Under the proposal, the jail terms for rape committed by two or more persons may be lengthened by one to two thirds. Under the existing criminal law, the prison sentence for sexual violence ranges between six and ten years. If it causes serious bodily injury or the victim is younger than 18 years old, the sentence is eight to 12 years. And if it results in the victim's death, it carries 12-30 years' jail.
The bill also makes it a crime to disseminate photographs, video, or other record of rape scenes “by any means, including online.”
“The dissemination of rape and its lasting online presence not only causes pain and suffering to the victim, but disturbs their family life, destabilizes their social relationships, leaves lasting marks that can impact future romantic relationships and the victim's self-image,” explained Senator Simone Tebet, in charge of reporting on the bill.
The draft text approved by the Senate is now pending consideration by the Chamber of Deputies.
Translated by Mayra Borges
Fonte: Brazil's Senate harshens punishment for gang rape
