The duration of a rape must never be taken into account in favour of the perpetrator when sentencing. This was emphasised by the Swiss Federal Court in a case from canton Valais published on Tuesday. +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox However, it can certainly have an aggravating effect on the perpetrator's guilt if the length of the crime indicates "increased criminal energy". + New rape definition comes into force in Switzerland The Federal Court rejected the appeal of a Portuguese man. He argued that the Valais cantonal court should have assessed his guilt more leniently when sentencing him due to the short duration of the crime. The highest Swiss court held that the term "rape of short duration" was an absurdity. The violation of the protected legal interest is caused from the first moment of the sexual act. + One in eight girls and women raped or sexually assaulted before age 18, UNICEF says In 2023 the perpetrator overpowered a woman who was on her ...
