Medical, legal and lay thresholds and definitions of rape

The workshop Medical, legal and lay definitions and thresholds of rape was organized 15^th and 16^th September 2022. Highly specialized scholars from six different European countries attended. They represented a broad range of disciplines and offered research based knowledge on, among other things, societal developments in the definition of rape, how the police during rape investigations relates to various forms of evidence, and how legal actors present and interpret evidence of rape. The workshop was organized in six sessions where short presentations of the work of the participants served as a starting point for discussions. The program included ample time for exchange, and participants continued their discussions during walks and meals. We decided against having participants joining online in order to foster engaged and open exchange about matters that are highly complex and sensitive. The workshop was small, intellectually stimulating and lively, and we are certain that it will serve as a starting point for further collaborations and publications in many years to come.

The workshop was delayed due to COVID-19 and the organizers, Sharron FitzGerald and May-Len Skilbrei, are very glad that the staff at IISL were flexible and positive throughout the whole planning process and during the workshop. We spent some wonderful days in Oñati and hope to return soon.