Sexual assault is a crime. It occurs when someone uses their power or authority over another person, or takes advantage of another persons trust or respect to involve them in sexual activity or force sexual activity upon them. Sexual assault does not have to involve physical violence. In some cases violence may be part of the assault however in many cases violence will not be used, rather psychological threats, verbal threats, tricks or bribes may be used to make another take part in sexual activity. Violence does not have to be used to make it a crime.
Sexual assault is an abuse of power.
It is not for the benefit of the offenders sexual gratification. Rather, they get their gratification from having power over another person or child. Sex is the weapon they choose to gain and underpin their power. One in 3 girls will have experienced sexual assault by the age of 18. One in every 8 boys will also have experienced sexual assault by the age of 18.