Sexual assault is a serious crime that can have a lasting impact on your life.
As a victim, it is important to accept that you did not deserve it no matter the circumstance and you did not ask for it. However, if you do not understand what constitutes sexual assault, you might carry the trauma for life while the perpetrator walks free, avoiding justice for their wrongdoing.
So, let us take a deeper look at what sexual assault entails so you can quickly tell whenever it happens to you or a loved one. If they are a victim of sexual assault, you need to hire a sexual assault lawyer to help them through the trial, the pre-trial process, the post-trial aftermath, and get compensation for what happened to them!
What Does the Term “Sexual Assault” Actually Mean?
As per the United States Department of Justice, sexual assault is understood to be any form of sexual behavior or contact that happens without the consent of the receiving party.
According to Abuse Guardians, it is essentially a broader term for sexual activities like rape, fondling, and attempted rape. Even so, it is important to note that the legal definition of sexual assault will vary depending on your state and country.
That said, the following often constitute sexual assault no matter where you are:
Penetration Crimes
Sexual assault occurs when someone’s body part penetrates your body parts, for example, penal penetration of mouth, anus, vagina, etc. Sexual assault also happens when someone penetrates any part of your body with an object.
Contact Sex Crimes
When someone has a part of their body on your genitalia, breast, buttocks, or other intimate body parts, that falls under sexual assault.
Exposure Sex Crimes
Sexual assault happens if someone else exposes their genitalia, breast, buttocks, or other intimate body parts to you.
Keep in mind; for all of these things to be classed as sexual assault, there should be an absence of consent.
What Other Things Constitute Sexual Assault?
Besides the above, other things that are classed as sexual assault include:
- Kissing any part of someone without their consent
- Sexual harassment
- Solicitation of underage people
- The possession of child pornography
Sexual Assault Also Happens When People Use Some Tactics to Obtain Sex and Other Sexual Acts
Many people assume that sexual assault has to involve an element of physical force or leave someone with physical trauma. That is quite far from the truth. When people employ other tactics to get you to agree to their sexual acts, that falls under sexual assault too.
Some of these tactics are:
- Tricks and deception
- Pressure
- Manipulation
- Bullying
- Threats
- Intimidation
- Drugs or alcohol
However, note that none of this has to happen for sexual assault to occur. As long as there is no consent, it is always a sexual assault case.
When To Seek a Sexual Assault Lawyer
Talk to a sexual assault lawyer whenever you feel you have been assaulted sexually by someone. Even if you are unsure of things, your lawyer can help you determine whether you have a case against the perpetrator.
More importantly, a sexual assault attorney will help you receive any legal compensation, and while that is not the point here, it will go a long way in helping you recover.
Get Help with Filing a Sexual Assault Claim Today!
If you are the victim of sexual assault, you need to seek help filing a sexual assault claim fast. Besides allowing you to seek legal retribution against an assaulter, commencing legal action on an abuser can help bring an end to their crimes. Call a sexual assault attorney near you for prompt assistance.
