Wisconsin statutes define four degrees of sexual assault. They range from fourth degree, which is uninvited and unwanted touching, to forced intercourse, which is first degree. Sexual assault can include placing your hand on someone's breast, buttocks or genitals, or on the clothing covering those areas, without permission. If you engage in these behaviors, with either a stranger or a friend, you can be charged with and prosecuted for sexual assault.
Sexual assault can occur between persons in dating or sexual relationships, including marriage.
It can also occur between persons of the same sex. Sexual assault is known to be a crime of violence and hostility. It is not a sexually motivated crime but rather a crime of assault using sex as a weapon. Sexual assault does not necessarily require sexual intercourse to occur before a criminal offense has been committed. Any sexual contact can be deemed a criminal offense.