Hi, I think it may be a matter of compelling as opposed to force, which makes the laws very close in nature, however, the slight differences between the two can be the difference between 10 years and life in prison. Some laws in Australia are so close in definition and it is the slightest difference that makes the separate from one another. Everything I looked for came up for South Australia, so it may even be a state name difference as well. I have found some information on definitions that maybe beneficial to you: Compelled Sexual Manipulation It is an offence for a person to compel another person to engage, or continue to engage, in: an act of sexual manipulation of the offender; or an act of sexual manipulation of a person other than the offender; or an act of sexual self-manipulation where the person who is compelled does not consent to the act and the offender knows, or is recklessly indifferent to the fact that the person does not consent or has withdran consent. Maximum penalty For a basic offence: 10 years imprisonment For an aggravated offence: 15 years imprisonment The offence of rape occurs where a person has sexual intercourse, or continues to have sexual intercourse, with another person without the consent of that person (or continuing where consent has been withdrawn), either knowing that there is no consent or being recklessly indifferent about that consent. It is rape even where the victim says that they do not consent, even if they do not physically resist. It is also rape where a person compels another to engage in, or to continue to engage in sexual intercourse with a person other than the offender; or an act of self penetration; or an act of bestiality, either knowing that there is no consent or being recklessly indifferent about that consent. Maximum penalty:life imprisonment. The Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 s 5 defines sexual intercourse to include (whether heterosexual or homosexual): * penetration of the vagina, labia majora, or anus by any part of the body of another person or by any object; or * fellatio; or * cunnilingus.

thanks for the reply. the definition of rape does not say that force must be involved though. So it appears to me that the compelled sexual manipulation even has more 'must meet' elements in its definition than rape, which means it is more difficult to convict a person in compelled sexual manipulation than in rape?? which is confusing....