This is a brochure about sexual assault. It describes what sexual assaults are and how they can be prevented. It discusses the laws concerning these crimes and the penalties for committing them. First Sexual assault is a crime punishable by imprisonment in New York State. Sexual assault does not happen because of uncontrolled lust or sexual passion.
Sexual assault is a crime of aggression and violence.
There is never an excuse or a reason for one person to rape, assault or even touch another person without permission. No woman causes herself to be raped. Most people think of rape as a sudden attack perpetrated by a vicious stranger on a dark, deserted street. This is one form of rape. In fact, however, as many as eighty percent of all rapes are perpetrated by dates, colleagues or other acquaintances.