FAQ: What is sexual assault?

"Rape" and "sexual assault" are terms used interchangeably to describe crimes that involve unwanted and illegal sexual acts. The legal definitions of rape and sexual assault vary from state to state. Most commonly, a rape involves the use or threat of force to penetrate a victim's vagina, mouth, or anus. A sexual assault involves the use or threat of force but may not involve penetration. Fondling someone's breasts or genitals without consent is an example of sexual assault.

Many of the assumptions people make about sexual assault and rape are not true. Some people think that if sexual assault or rape happens to you, you must have "asked for it." The truth is that no one asks to be raped or sexually assaulted. You have the right to say "no" at any time to any sexual act. "No" means no. Power, anger, and control are the motives for rape--not sex.

Some people think that you will be raped or sexually assaulted only if you act or dress a certain way or go to certain places. That's not true. These crimes can happen to anyone, no matter how old you are, what your racial or cultural background may be, what type of education you have, or how much money you make.

Some people think that you can be raped or sexually assaulted only by strangers. The truth is that only 22 percent of rape cases involve strangers. The rest are committed by someone the victim knows well. Rape by someone you know is still rape, and it is still a crime. Even in marriage, when a spouse is forced to have sex against her will, it is a crime of rape.

Some people think that you cannot be forced to have sex against your will. The truth is that you can be, either by physical force or threat of injury or death. Cooperation does not mean consent. Fearing serious injury or death during a rape, many victims do not resist the attack and do not sustain any bruises, marks, or other visible physical injuries. You cannot always tell someone has been raped just by looking at her.

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