Sexual assault

Sexual assault is a term from law. It's when a sexual act happens between people, but one or more of the people involved do not consent.^[1][2] In most countries, this is a crime. Sexual assault is a form of sexual violence.

Sexual aggression, an engraving by artist Martin van Maele from 1905

There are different forms of sexual assault, including:

• Rape, which is forcing someone to have sex who does not give consent. They may not want to do it, or may not be able to give consent.
• Child sexual abuse, which involves sexual acts with a child. Children are said to be legally too young to give consent, so sexual acts with children are always considered sexual assault by some areas.^[3]
• Groping, which is touching people in sexual ways (usually without their consent).
• Domestic violence, which can involve sexual violence.
• Elder abuse, which involves non-consensual sexual acts with an older person.
• Sexual harassment, which is a type of harassment.

Often, cases of sexual assault are not reported by victims because of social stigma.^[1] In certain countries, there are laws that will punish the victim, for example for "seducing" someone.^[source?]

Statistics

People who are developmental disabilities are more vulnerable to being sexually abused. As many as 90-99% of people with these disabilities are sexually exploited before the age of 18.^[4]

A 2010-2011 study in the United States of 1058 people aged 14 to 21 found that 8% had sexually assaulted in their lives. In 66% of cases, no one found out and the perpetrator did not get into any trouble. 50% of perpetrators said that their victim was completely to blame. 2% had raped and 3% had tried to rape.^{[5][needs simplifying]}