Not all LEGALLY-defined rape involves consent issues; some, as with statutory rape, have to do with age. There is an assumption people between 16 and 18 don't have the maturity to consent, but again that doesn't mean in fact these people involved didn't consent.
Statutory rape is penalized differently than "forcible" rape, depending on the age of the so-called "assailant." Generally the age difference has to be three years or more.
More info from Nolo Press, which is a reliable source of information.
Typically people prosecuted for statutory rape are charged because some irate parent of the younger party, usually a female, wants to break up the relationship and retaliate against the older party.
However, what is interesting to note is even MINORS can be charged with it!
A minor can be guilty of statutory rape of another minor. If two 16-year-olds engage in sexual intercourse, in many states each could be prosecuted for statutory rape. In other states, only males can be prosecuted for statutory rape. Of course, such cases are rarely prosecuted. Even when they are, laws in many states make concessions to the frequency of sexual intercourse among minors in modern society. So long as one minor is not more than three years older than the other minor, statutory rape is often a misdemeanor rather than a felony.
There aren't enough jails and prisons to house the millions of people who have flouted these statutes. That's why they are rarely prosecuted.
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