Sexual Assault and Rape

Sexual assault is defined by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women as any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient. Falling under the definition of sexual assault are sexual activities such as forced sexual intercourse, forcible sodomy, child molestation, incest, fondling, and attempted rape. The perpetrator of sexual assault may be a stranger, acquaintance, friend, family member, or intimate partner. Findings from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey 2010 Summary Report indicate that the majority of men and women who experience rape knew their perpetrators, and the majority of women reported that at least one perpetrator was a current or former intimate partner or acquaintance. Sexual assault is a significant societal ...