Discussion Question

Suppose a 17-year-old male was in a sexual relationship with a female in her thirties. This is a willing relationship on both sides, perhaps even a relationship begun by the male. Now, if the genders were reversed and the male was the older member of the couple, the relationship would be considered sexual assault, pure and simple. But, in a situation with an older woman/younger man:

1. what do you think could or should be done? Anything?

2.Should the woman be prosecuted in this case? Should the young man (a willing participant) be considered as an adult, or as still under-aged?

Think again about the scenario as it stands, and then as it would be with reversed gender roles.

Did your opinions change from one to the other, and if so, how? Is this a double standard?