China Justice Observer

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Is Rape a Civil or Criminal Offence in China?

Tue, 30 Nov 2021
Editor: C. J. Observer

Rape is a criminal offence, not only a civil assault. The worst rapists may be sentenced to death pursuant to Chinese criminal law.

Under China’s Criminal Law, whoever rapes a woman by violence, coercion or any other means shall be sentenced to fixed-term imprisonment of not less than three years but not more than 10 years.

Whoever has sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 14 shall be deemed to have committed rape and shall be given a heavier punishment.

Whoever rapes a woman or has sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 14 shall, in any of the following circumstances, be sentenced to fixed-term imprisonment of not less than 10 years, life imprisonment or death:

(1) the circumstances being flagrant;

(2) raping a number of women or girls under the age of 14;

(3) raping a woman before the public in a public place;

(4) raping a woman with one or more persons in succession; or

(5) causing serious injury or death to the victim or any other serious consequences.

 

 

Cover Photo by Hiki Liu on Unsplash

Contributors: CJO Staff Contributors Team

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