[Avodah] Rape of a Woman

[Cantor Wolberg]

If a man finds a girl who is a virgin, who is not betrothed, and lays  
hold of her, and lies with her, and they are found. Then the man who  
lay with her shall give to the girl's father fifty shekels of silver,  
and she shall be his wife; because he has humbled her, he may not put  
her away all his days. (Deut. 22:28-29)

This is even more troublesome to me than the y'fas to'ar.  First of  
all it makes rape a civil matter. Secondly, it says "if they are  
found" -- the implication being, if they are not discovered, then the  
rapist goes scott free. The poor woman being raped has no say in the  
matter.  How are we to understand this or come to terms with it?  I am  
at a loss.

Kol tuv.

ri

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