§ V. On Stuprum

Stuprum, taken strictly among theologians, is the deflowering of a virgin. - But a virgin is said to be deflowered who, by the natural congress of a man and by a consummated act, is corrupted for the first time, against her will. I said strictly among theologians, for according to the norm of civil law stuprum imports the violation of any unmarried and honorable woman, and in a broader sense of any unmarried woman.

I say 1st. Stuprum, in whatever sense accepted, always contains a grave malice diverse in species. The reason is that, violation being supposed, whatever finally is the woman who is violated, now besides chastity another virtue is injured, namely justice.

I say 2nd. Although the circumstance of virginity is not necessarily to be disclosed in confession, because it is only aggravating, nevertheless if the sin of stuprum is reserved, then it will have to be manifested, because the word stuprum is to be taken strictly whenever it concerns reservation and the penalties laid against those committing stuprum in canon law.

I say 3rd. For stuprum it is not required that force or physical violence be inflicted; for it is enough that the consent of a girl otherwise unwilling be extorted by threats, fraud, deceit, or repeated and importunate entreaties which overcome her constancy. - Cf. St. Alphonsus, n. 443. - Baller., note (b), p. 315.