A Man's Rape Conviction Was Overturned Due to His 'Sexsomnia'
Swedish Man Sexsomnia - Sexsomnia Rape Charges
![Cheek, Forehead, Comfort, Eyebrow, Jaw, Eyelash, Neck, Black hair, Nap, Sleep,](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AgvxxeXWT36VF8LyYS4veC-415-80.jpg)
Mikael Halvarsson, a 26-year-old Swedish man sentenced to two years in prison for raping a woman has had his conviction overturned. Why? He was asleep when it happened.
According to experts, Halvarsson suffers from "sexsomnia," a state in which a person can have sex while sleeping. A northern Sweden appeals court overruled the previous sentence because they believe it wasn't his intention to have sex and "was in a state of sleepiness, unconscious of what was happening, [and that] does not seem absurd."
The decision was made after doctors who specialize in sleeping disorders intervened and an ex-girlfriend came forward saying that he had previously attempted to have sex with her while she was sleeping. When she stopped him, he acted confused and asked what had happened. His mother also confirmed he had dysfunctional sleeping patterns before.
This isn't the first time a person has been acquitted for "sexsomnia," which is why we're puzzled that the medical condition has not been widely studied or even recognized. No disrespect to those who suffer from the disorder, but we'd love to know what protection is in place for their victims.
[ABC News]
Related Links:
Sexual Assault Victims Speak Out Against Campus Rape
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Lauren Valenti is Vogue’s former senior beauty editor. Her work has also appeared on ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, and in In Style. She graduated with a liberal arts degree from Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts, with a concentration on Culture and Media Studies and a minor in Journalism.
-
Jennifer Lopez's Bike Ride Outfits Keep Rolling On
This time, she's in an off-the-shoulder set and fisherman sandals.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
'Love Island USA' Stars Nicole Jacky and Kendall Washington Already Have Big Plans for Life Outside of the Villa
The season 6 finalists are looking past the finale and toward a future together.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Jennifer Lopez Replaces Her Gym Birkin With a Gym Blanket
Technically, it's a sweater.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 2: Everything We Know
Netflix owes us answers after that ending.
By Zoe Guy Last updated
-
'Firefly Lane' Season 2: Everything We Know
In the immortal words of Tully Hart, "Firefly Lane girls forever!"
By Andrea Park Published
-
'Bridgerton' Season 2: Everything We Know
The viscount and his new love interest hit Netflix at the end of March.
By Andrea Park Published
-
'Bachelor In Paradise' 2021: Everything We Know
It's back, baby!
By Andrea Park Published
-
'Spencer,' the Princess Diana Movie: Everything We Know
"Every fairy tale ends."
By Andrea Park Published
-
Who is Abigail Heringer From 'The Bachelor' and 'Bachelor in Paradise'?
The 25-year-old, who first appeared on Matt James' season, is a financial analyst with an inspiring backstory.
By Andrea Park Published
-
What Does "ROC" Mean at the Tokyo Olympics?
It's a temporary workaround in the aftermath of Russia's massive doping scandal.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
Katie Thurston's 'Bachelorette' Cast: Every Detail We Know
Including familiar faces, several athletes, and a famous rapper's brother.
By Megan DiTrolio Published