What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual Assault: Any unwanted sexual attention, touch, advances or act that is forced on someone against their will.

The offender may use threats, physical force, weapons, or coercion.  Examples of sexual assault include: rape, child molestation, incest, sexual harassment or a request for favors that are sexual in nature.  Rape is any sexual contact that occurs against the victim’s will. Rape is considered a violent crime and can occur in the context of a marital relationship.

There are several types of rape:

• First degree rape is vaginal intercourse against the will of another. Regardless of the relationship. 
• Date rape: Violent sexual crime committed in the context of a dating or acquaintance relationship 
• Statutory rape: The victim is 13-15 years of age because the age of consent in NC is 16. The defendant is at least 4 years older but less than 6 years older than the victim
• 1st Degree Statutory rape: The victim is under 13 years old. The defendant is at least 12 years of age and also 4 years older than the victim

Sexual Harassment is defined as any unwanted sexual advances that can be either verbal or physical.

Sexual Assault is when a person is forced, coerced, and/or manipulated into any unwanted sexual activity, including  when s/he is unable to consent due to age, illness, disability,  or the  influence of alcohol  or other drugs.

Sexual  violence includes rape, incest, child sexual assault, ritual  abuse, non- stranger rape, statutory rape, marital or partner rape, sexual exploitation, sexual contact, sexual harassment, exposure, and voyeurism.

It is a crime not typically motivated by sexual desire but by the  desire to control, humiliate, and/or harm.

Sexual  violence can violate  a person’s trust and feeling  of safety. 

It can, and does,  happen to people of all ages, races, genders, sexual orientations, religions, professions, incomes, and ethnicities.

Contact Friend to Friend for resources and studies conducted on this subject.  Sexual Assault Support Group Info