I find it hard to evaluate a crime merely on the result of the crime.
In my mind, the intent behind crime is just as important. A vicious planned rape of a child, is in my mind a lot worse than killing someone in the heat of an argument, for instance. The consequence of the latter, in my mind is still worse though. A corporate executive stealing money from pension funds and then ruining the company can destroy the lives of hundreds of people, merely for greed.
In crude generalization, I would say that anything you survive is better off than when you’re dead. I know very few people that have been raped that would now welcome being killed, just to be out of their ‘misery’. (Sorry @smack, I realize you retracted thse words.)
To put things even more into perspective: in those societies where rape is more looked upon as a vicious crime, victims suffer more and longer psychological trauma. In cultures where rape is more ‘accepted’ as a ‘normal’ cultural phenomenon, the victim suffers less and shorter.
Note that I’m not trying to ridicule the hurt caused by rape, in any way. I just mention it, since it shows that a big element of the hurt is caused by the way the victim is hurt not merely physical, but in his/her identity. There must be better ways to help people that suffered rape and make sure that they do not end up as outcasts.