How is sexual assault defined?

The definition of sexual assault encompasses a range of non-consensual sexual acts that can occur due to various motivations, including power, control, and emotional impulse. Defining it as an act of violence reflects the understanding that sexual assault is fundamentally about violating another individual’s autonomy and boundaries, often resulting in psychological and physical harm.

Sexual assault is not solely an expression of rage, which would limit its understanding to one emotional response. Additionally, defining it as an act of rebellion overlooks the nuanced motivations that can underlie such behavior. Finally, considering it an act of compassion contradicts the essence of sexual assault, which involves coercion and a lack of consent, neither of which can be associated with compassion. Understanding sexual assault in this broader context assists law enforcement and society in grasping the seriousness and complexity of these offenses.