Sexual Assault

S2S Definition

A specific act of sexual violence.

Dictionary Definitions

Illegal sexual contact that usually involves force upon a person without consent or is inflicted upon a person who is incapable of giving consent (as because of age or physical or mental incapacity) or who places the assailant (such as a doctor) in a position of trust or authority.

There is no definition of sexual assault in either dictionary. We believe that this is a problem, because both dictionaries fail to provide the language to help our culture talk about this serious category of sexual crime.

A Deeper Look
  • Sexual assault includes physical assault such as rape, sexual coercion, attempted rape, and unwanted physical contact. 
  • It can also include other sexually violent acts, such as sending unwanted sexually explicit pictures to somebody.
  • Sexual assault can, but does not always occur through physical force or threats of physical force.
  • Sexual assault often occurs after the consumption of substances (drugs and alcohol), which in some circumstances may be given to the victim by the attacker. Even if the victim chooses to drink or use drugs, after consumption they are no longer able to consent. This means that a person who is assaulted after drinking or using drugs is never at fault for being assaulted.
  • Sexual assault can happen to anyone. Although some victims are assaulted by strangers, more often than not, people are assaulted by attackers that they know. This includes, but is not limited to, romantic partners, acquaintances, and adults who hold power over the victims.