Definition of Sexual Assault

Sometimes during your life, your have heard the words rape and sexual assault. 

Sexual assault is any contact or sexual attention committed by force, threats, bribes, manipulations, pressure, tricks, or violence.  It includes rape, child molestation, incest, and sexual harassment.  Sexual assault is a terrifying and often brutal crime.  Assailants can be strangers, acquaintances, friends, dates, or family members, including spouses.

It is not a crime of passion as many would suppose, but a crime of violence.  It is a vicious crime of dominance and aggression, with sex as a weapon.  Anger and hostility are the emotions of the sexual assailant.  Power and control over the victim are the goals.