What is Assault?

Please note that the laws regarding sexual assault vary from place to place. The definitions that follow are generally the most recognized.

                                                           Sexual Assault: Covers a broad area of any unwanted

                                                           sexual contact without consent by force threat or   

                                                           intimidation. This includes, but is not limited too:

                                                                              sexual abuse

                                                                              touching

                                                                              fondling

                                                                              grabbing

                                                                              harassment

                                                                              exposure

                                                                              intercourse.

                                                        Rape: Sexual intercourse with a person against their will  

                                                        through force, threat or intimidation.

                                                       Forcible Sodomy: Oral/anal intercourse with a person

                                                       against their will.

                                                       Statutory rape: Intercourse with a person below the legal

                                                       age of consent ( Usually 16 years old)

                                                       Consent: Willingly agreeing to engage in sexual intercourse

                                                       or contact. It is important to note that a person is unable to

                                                       consent if they are below a certain age, intoxicated or under

                                                       the influence of a drug, or permanently or temporarily

                                                       incapacitated.

* The punishment for a sexual assault varies from a misdemeanor to a felony. In most jurisdictions a misdemeanor sexual assault occurs when the victim is above the age of consent in that location, and the incident only involves touching without force or threat. A felony sexual assault occurs when the victim is under the age of consent, or when the assault involves force, injury, multiple offenders, use of a weapon, or rape. Rape in many jurisdictions is also called sexual battery and includes penetration of the victim with any object.