The crime of indecent assault and battery occurs when the offender, without the victim's consent, intentionally has physical contact of a sexual nature with the victim. This contact may include an offender touching a woman's breasts, or the buttocks or genital area of a man or woman. Indecent assault and battery may be punished by up to five years imprisonment. Rape or indecent assault and battery victimizes women and men - whether straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered. The University Code of Conduct defines rape as the oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by an inanimate object, penis, or other bodily part without consent.
Sexual misconduct is defined as any unwanted act that is intended in a sexual manner.
Most rapes and sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the survivor. This might be someone you are dating, a friend, classmate, co-worker, instructor, relative, or casual acquaintance. It may occur between people who have previously had consensual sexual relations. Understanding the ways in which these factors impact on intimate relationships can decrease the likelihood of becoming involved in an assault. Some helpful suggestions follow.