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Our conception of sexual autonomy has changed significantly over the last
decades. We have moved away from collective determinations of morality and
decency towards individual sexual autonomy. These developments, together with
fundamental changes in the understanding of gendered power hierarchies, have
led to the establishment of a so-called paradigm of consent. This paradigm,
celebrated by many feminists and human rights activists, has also caused
controversial debates on over-criminalization and “carceral feminism”, raising the
question: Are the emancipatory ideals of feminist social movements compatible
with the means of criminal law?