Defining Sexual Assault in Illinois

 Posted on December 30, 2015 in Sex Crimes

Sexual assault is not defined as just rape or forced sexual activity. There are several types of sex crimes that one can be accused of. Also, some people are all too aware that accusations of sexual assault can lead to serious legal consequences and even ruin someone's life. It is important to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney if you have been falsely charged with a sex crime.

Different Types of Sexual Assault

One form of sexual assault is acquaintance or date rape. This is sexual assault perpetrated between two people who know each other. They were perhaps out together with the understanding that their relationship had the potential to move in the direction of physical intimacy.

Date rape occurs when one party decides that he or she is not ready for physical intimacy, but the other person—oftentimes because of the mutual understanding of the potential future of the relationship—does not take no for an answer.

Acquaintance or date rape can also occur in the presence of alcohol or drugs. There have been many highly-publicized cases of date rape and acquaintance rape on college campuses as of late. College campuses are not, however, the only place in which alleged date rape is common. This crime can happen in any community, regardless of either person’s age, gender, or sexual orientation.

In fact, the crime is so commonly charged across communities, regardless of location or socioeconomic status, that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that one in five women (nearly 20 percent of all American adults) have been raped one point in their lives. Almost half of all women have been allegedly sexually assaulted in some manner—making this crime one of the most common crimes perpetrated every year in the United States.

Accusations of sexual assault do not have to be physical in nature—they can also include unwanted or nonconsensual voyeurism in which a person watches private sexual acts without consent. Nonphysical sex crimes can also occur during exhibitionism, when a person exposes himself or herself in public without consent from the people around.

Have Been Charged with Sexual Assault?

If you or someone you know has been accused of sexual assault, it is gravely important to speak with a legal professional right away. Do not go through it alone. Contact experienced DuPage County criminal defense attorney Stephen A. Brundage today. Attorney Brundage can help regain your reputation and move on with your life. Call 630-260-9647 to schedule an appointment.

Sources:

http://cmsac.org/education-safety-reporting/types-of-sexual-assault/

http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/sexual-assault.html