Woman, 41, and Boy, 14

(Vienna, Austria) A 41-year-old, local married mother-of-two, identified only as Renata C., and a 13-year-old boy, identified as Erwin U., have allegedly been engaging in a romantic affair that has become a hot scandal throughout Europe.

Renata was a handball team coach and Erwin was a player.

Renata, a Croatian, has two daughters, ages 14 and 19, and a husband, all of whom have expressed support and understanding.

Under Austrian law, consensual sex at 14 is legal but Renata started doing Erwin when he was only 13. As a result, Renata was prosecuted for "severe sexual abuse of a minor" and sentenced to 22 months in prison, suspended.

"It was not right what I did. I admit my guilt. But Erwin is an exception – even at 13 he was not a child," said Renata.

Erwin remarked that he didn't want to be considered a victim since that's not how he feels. Erwin's mother has approved of the relationship and apparently the couple will move in with her to continue their affair.

It's unknown whether this case is a reflection of a general European attitude of permissiveness regarding sex or an example of leniency toward female child sex offenders. In any event, I'm forcing myself into believing that a 42-year-old man having sex with a 13-year-old girl would not be treated so lightly by the legal system nor would it be accepted and supported by the families involved.

Tip: Barry