What constitutes sexual assault?

The definition of sexual assault is specifically focused on the lack of consent. Sexual assault involves engaging in sexual acts against someone’s will or coercing someone into such acts when they are unable to provide consent. This can include a broad range of behaviors, from unwanted touching to rape. The key element is that the victim does not agree to the act, which distinguishes sexual assault from consensual sexual experiences and behaviors that may be misunderstood, such as flirting or advances in a relationship. These other scenarios may involve miscommunication or consent, thus they do not meet the legal or definitional criteria for sexual assault. The emphasis on consent is central to understanding why this definition is critical in law enforcement and legal contexts.