What is the Difference Between Rape and Sexual Assault?

The main difference between rape and sexual assault lies in the specific type of sexual act committed without consent. Both rape and sexual assault involve forcing someone to engage in sexual activities against their will, but they differ in the nature of the act and the level of force used.

• Rape: Rape is defined as non-consensual sexual intercourse forced upon a person, often by means of physical force, threats, or drugs. In some cases, rape may also include statutory rape, where a person past the age of consent engages in intercourse with a minor, as minors are incapable of legally consenting to sex.
• Sexual Assault: Sexual assault is a broader term that encompasses any unwanted sexual contact without consent, including touching a person's intimate parts without their permission. Sexual assault may fall short of involving sexual intercourse or penetration and can involve various forms of sexual activities.

In some jurisdictions, the terms "rape" and "sexual assault" may be used interchangeably or may be referred to as "sexual battery," "sexual abuse," or "unwanted sexual contact". The precise definition of each term and the specific charges associated with these crimes may vary across state laws and depend on the jurisdiction.

Comparative Table: Rape vs Sexual Assault

Here is a table outlining the differences between rape and sexual assault:

Rape is considered a more severe crime because it involves forceful sexual activity, while sexual assault is any unwanted sexual contact without consent. Both are crimes, and the punishment for these acts varies depending on the jurisdiction.