What You Need to Know About Forced Kisses and Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is a broad term that can make it difficult for victims to know with certainty when they have experienced sexual assault. Here’s what you need to know about forced kisses and sexual assault.
Based on statistics posted by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, an American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds. Further, in 8 out of 10 instances of sexual violence in the United States, the perpetrator is someone that the victim knows rather than a stranger. As sexual assault is becoming increasingly more frequent, it is important to understand exactly what sexual assault consists of.
What is Consent?
Consent is essential and necessary when engaging in any sexual activity. Without the presence of consent by both parties, a sexual act is sexual assault or sexual abuse. Consent is either a verbal or non-verbal agreement between those who are engaging in any sexual act. Individuals are unable to consent if they are in any of the following situations:
- under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- asleep
- unconscious
- under a certain age
Related: What to Do If You’re Being Sexually Harassed at Work
In accordance with the United States law, individuals need to be of a certain age, age of consent, in order for their consent to be valid. If they are not of this age, they are not legally able to give consent. There is not a singular age of consent in the United States and each state has its own age. The age of consent in the majority of states is 16, and the remaining states have ages of consent of either 17 or 18. Engaging in sexual acts with an individual who is younger than the age of consent is legally considered statutory rape.
Sexual Assault vs. Sexual Harassment
Though often grouped together, sexual assault and sexual harassment are two very different terms.
Sexual assault refers to sexual acts done in situations where the victim did not consent or they did not have the means to consent.
Sexual harassment refers to harassment done in a sexual manner and it often occurs in the workplace. If the harasser turns the workplace into an uncomfortable or severe environment, they can be legally punished for such harassment.
What is Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse is similar to sexual assault, but there is an important distinction between the two. Sexual abuse typically refers to a pattern of sexually abusive acts done to the victim. Both sexual abuse and sexual assault refer to instances where the victim does not consent. As sexual abuse refers to a pattern of abusive behaviors over a period of time, victims often suffer from anxiety disorders as a result.
What is Legally Considered Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is an umbrella term and many different actions fall under this term. Overall, any sexual act performed without consent is sexual assault. This can include nonconsensual touching and groping, rape, and forced kisses.
Related: Types of Sexual Harassment in California
Forced Kisses
One of the most vital parts of the definition of sexual assault is that it involves nonconsensual sexual acts. According to 10 US Code §920. Art. 120, one who performs a sexual act upon someone who did not consent will receive court punishment. A forced kiss refers to a victim being forced to perform a sexual act that they likely did not consent to. Based on the definition of sexual assault, a forced kiss is sexual assault. A forced kiss is an act that a victim is forced to do and does not consent to, which is one of the current identifiers of sexual assault.
Seeking Help
There are many different resources available for victims and survivors of sexual assault. The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, RAINN, is one of these resources. RAINN has a national sexual assault hotline that individuals can reach out to 24/7. It also has additional hotlines that are specific to sexual assault, sexual harassment, and more. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center also has resources available for survivors of sexual assault, including a directory of different help centers and organizations based on state.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one would like to learn more about Forced Kiss Sexual Assault, get your free consultation with one of our most qualified Attorneys today!