Sexual assault is any sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the victim. This includes a wide range of acts such as attempted rape, unwanted sexual touching or fondling, forcing someone to perform sexual acts, and penetration of the victim’s body (oral, anal, or vaginal) without consent
. Key points about sexual assault:
- It involves sexual acts or attempts where consent is not freely given or is coerced through force, manipulation, threats, or intimidation
- Sexual assault can include physical acts like unwanted touching, rape, or forcing sexual acts, but also non-physical acts such as sharing intimate images without permission or forcing someone to watch pornography
- The majority of perpetrators are known to the victim, such as acquaintances, intimate partners, or dates, but it can also be committed by strangers
- Sexual assault is an abuse of power and is never the fault or responsibility of the victim
- Legal definitions vary by jurisdiction, but typically include any non-consensual sexual penetration or contact
In summary, sexual assault encompasses any sexual behavior imposed on someone without their consent, ranging from unwanted touching to rape and other forms of sexual violence
