Samantha Kolesnik Survivor Justice Scholarship: Fighting Rape by Deception

Sexual assault often gets swept under the rug, ignored, or weaponized against victims who speak out.

The crimes of “rape by fraud” and “rape by deception” go particularly unrecognized, targeting victims through deception and often avoiding punishment due to a lack of strong legislation in many states. Changing this reality requires uplifting brave students who will challenge current legal definitions and propose concrete, victim-centered legislative changes that criminalize the use of fraud and deception to bypass consent.

This scholarship aims to support students who are researching, writing, and advocating for the expansion of sexual assault and domestic violence legislation.

Any undergraduate or graduate student pursuing law, women’s studies, gender studies, political science, or sociology may apply for this scholarship opportunity if they are committed to researching and advocating for the expansion of sexual assault and domestic violence laws. The ideal applicant is dedicated to codifying "rape by fraud" and "rape by deception"—crimes where consent is bypassed through predatory manipulation. Currently, victims in most states are denied criminal legal recourse and face significant stigma. This scholarship looks to uplift students who are prepared to challenge this injustice and drive the legislative reform necessary to hold perpetrators accountable.

To apply, tell us how you plan to advocate for the recognition of “rape by fraud” and “rape by deception” and tell us what argument you would use if presenting a case to a state legislative committee. Additionally, upload your educational history, including any advocacy and volunteer work you have done.