Ajit, yes, while I generally was thinking of the usa (sorry -- us centrism) I have heard complaints by feminists on this topic from around the world. In fact, I think there is very little recognition of rape as a tool of political oppression. It's kinda like -- o.k., there was a war -- we write 1000 pages on that, and in a foot note mention that the women were raped. maggie coleman [EMAIL PROTECTED]