rape, sexual assault
Rape is a penetration of the vagina or anus, no matter how slight, by a body part or object without consent of the victim, or the oral penetration by a sexual organ, no matter how slight, without consent of the victim. The legal definition of rape may change from state to state, but the overarching idea is that rape is a type of sexual penetration without consent.
Sexual assault is a broader term, but also a legal term. It is broadly defined as sexual behavior or contact that occurs without the consent of the victim. Types of sexual assault may include rape, attempted rape, unwanted touching, forcing a victim to perform sex acts, etc. Again, definitions may vary from state to state.
In cases of sexual assault, including rape, force may be physical, emotional, psychological, coercion, or other forms of manipulation.
Rape and sexual assault should be understood and reported as violence, not sex. Terms such as alleged and claimed can infer that the person who experienced the violence is not telling the truth or is fabricating the story; therefore, such terms should be avoided. See allege, alleged, allegedly.
For more information on laws by state, visit the State Law Generator from RAINN.
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