Sexual assault is a distressingly common form of sexual violence that affects people of all genders, ages, races, religions, and backgrounds. Understanding the different types of sexual assault and their impact is an important step in prevention and supporting survivors.
This article provides an overview of the most common types of sexual assault, statistics, effects on victims, and resources available.
What is Sexual Assault, and Why Does it Matter?
Sexual assault refers to any unwanted sexual contact or behavior that occurs without consent from the victim. It includes activities like unwanted touching, rape, child sexual abuse, and intimate partner sexual violence. Sexual assault is never the victim’s fault – it occurs because perpetrators choose to commit sexual violence.
While underreported, statistics give a sobering picture. 1 in 5 women and 1 in 20 men have experienced rape or attempted rape in their lifetime. Over 40% of women experienced other forms of sexual violence. Many victims are abused as children – 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys experience child sexual abuse.
The effects of sexual violence can be devastating and long-lasting. Victims are more likely to experience PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and health impacts. Understanding sexual assault helps prevent future abuse, provides justice and care for survivors, and leads to cultural change, rejecting violence.
Types of Sexual Assault
Sexual assault can take many forms and occur in many contexts. Here are descriptions of some of the most common types of sexual assault:
Rape and Attempted Rape
Rape is non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration with any body part or object. Rape includes vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse, whether by an acquaintance, friend, family member, partner, or stranger. Attempted rape occurs when the perpetrator tries to force sexual acts without success.
Rape is one of the most severe forms of sexual assault and violation. It often involves physical violence in addition to the sexual act. Rape can cause significant physical injuries in addition to psychological trauma.
Child Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse includes any sexual contact or behavior that occurs between an adult or older adolescent and a child. It includes activities like fondling, oral sex, intercourse, exposing a child to adult sexual activity or pornographic materials, and using a child for pornography or prostitution.
Incest, sexual contact between family members, is one form of child sexual abuse. Others include molestation by authority figures, youth leaders, or acquaintances. The trauma of child sexual abuse impacts mental health and development long into adulthood.
Sexual Coercion
Sexual coercion means using pressure, tricks, threats, or force to make someone engage in unwanted sexual activity. Examples include:
- Blackmail or humiliation
- Continual arguments or physical intimidation
- Threats to end a relationship
- Taking advantage when a person is incapacitated by drugs or alcohol
Unwanted Sexual Contact
Unwanted sexual contact is unwanted touching, kissing, groping, or fondling of intimate body parts like genitals, breasts, or buttocks. This includes “stealthing,” secretly removing a condom during sex without consent.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual acts, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, or sexually degrading words. It most often occurs in the workplace or school settings. Sexual harassment creates a hostile environment and qualifies as a form of sexual assault.
Intimate Partner Sexual Violence
Intimate partner sexual assault involves forced or coerced sexual contact between dating or marital partners. It includes rape, unwanted touching, verbal coercion, and reproductive coercion like forced pregnancy. Intimate partner sexual assault may be part of a pattern of domestic violence.
Indecent Exposure
Indecent exposure is intentionally exposing one’s genitals to an unwilling audience to obtain sexual gratification. Flashing often occurs in public places.
Facilitated Sexual Assault
Facilitated sexual assault refers to using alcohol or drugs to compromise someone’s ability to consent to sexual activity. This act of drugging victims is also called “drug-facilitated sexual assault” or “date rape.”
Sexual Violence in Prisons
Sexual violence in prisons includes abuse by inmates, guards, staff or volunteers. Tactics include bribery and coercion. Nearly 5% of state and federal inmates report being sexually assaulted.
This list covers some common types, but sexual violence can take many forms. Non-consensual sexual acts like penetration, fondling, voyeurism, and exploitation all constitute sexual assault or violence under the law.
Consequences of Sexual Assault Convictions in California
The penalties for sexual assault convictions in California are severe. The exact punishment depends on factors like the specific charges, the age of the victim, and whether force or violence was involved. Possible consequences include:
- Years or decades in state prison. Sentences range from 2 to 8 years for basic sexual assault charges up to 15 years to life in prison for sex crimes against children.
- Lifetime sex offender registration. Those convicted of sex crimes in California must register on the state’s sex offender list, which impacts where they can live and work.
- Loss of professional licenses and opportunities. Convicted sex offenders often cannot work in certain professions like teaching, child care, health care, or law.
- Parole and probation. Terms often include mandatory counseling, GPS monitoring, limiting internet access, and avoiding contact with minors. Violations lead to re-imprisonment.
- Personal and professional stigma. The social stigma of a sexual assault conviction causes damage to the offender’s reputation and relationships.
- Civil lawsuits. Victims may sue offenders for pain and suffering damages or other financial compensation.
The extreme consequences make fighting the charges essential.
Accused of Sexual Assault in California?
If you or a loved one are facing accusations of sexual assault, you need legal advocates in your corner ready to fight the charges. The Nieves Law Firm understands the life-altering consequences these allegations carry if not properly defended. Their team of California sex crimes lawyers have decades of combined experience representing clients accused of sex crimes and other criminal charges like DUI and assault.
Their firm thoroughly investigates each claim, looking for inconsistencies and evidence that cast doubt on the accusations. They also examine whether proper procedures were followed during the investigation and arrest. Any missteps by law enforcement can lead to evidence being excluded or the case being dismissed.
