What is the Difference Between Sexual Battery and Sexual Assault?
Sexual battery and sexual assault are both serious crimes that can have a lasting impact on victims. Though they share some similarities, there are also some important distinctions between the two.
Sexual battery is defined as any unwanted sexual contact, while sexual assault is defined as any sexual activity that is committed without consent. This means that sexual battery can include a wider range of behaviors than sexual assault, such as groping, fondling, and unwanted kissing.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is a more serious offense than sexual battery, and it can carry stiffer penalties. In most states, sexual assault is defined as any sexual activity that is committed without the consent of the victim.
This means that even if the victim does not physically resist or verbally object to the sexual activity, it can still be considered sexual assault if they did not consent to it. Sexual assault can include a wide range of behaviors, including rape, sodomy, and sexual abuse of a minor.
The Impact of Sexual Battery and Sexual Assault
Both sexual battery and sexual assault can have a devastating impact on victims. Victims may experience physical injuries, emotional distress, and psychological trauma. They may also have difficulty sleeping, eating, and concentrating. In some cases, victims may even experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The impact of sexual battery and sexual assault can be compounded by the fact that these crimes are often underreported. Many victims are afraid to come forward because they fear being blamed or disbelieved. Others may feel ashamed or embarrassed about what happened to them.
What to Do If You Have Been the Victim of Sexual Battery or Sexual Assault
If you have been the victim of sexual battery or sexual assault, it is important to seek help immediately. You can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673 or visit their website at https://www.rainn.org/.
There are also many local organizations that provide support to victims of sexual assault. You can find a list of these organizations at the RAINN website.
Conclusion
Sexual battery and sexual assault are both serious crimes that can have a lasting impact on victims. It is important to be aware of the differences between these two crimes so that you can protect yourself and others from becoming victims.
If you have been the victim of sexual battery or sexual assault, it is important to seek help immediately. There are many resources available to help you through this difficult time.
Are you interested in learning more about sexual battery and sexual assault?
- Visit the RAINN website at https://www.rainn.org/.
- Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673.
