In the Criminal Code of Canada, sexual assault is defined in the larger concept of assault offences. According to section 265 of the Criminal Code, a person commits an assault, including sexual assault when: They intentionally apply force on another person, directly or indirectly, without their consent; they attempt, or threaten by act or gesture, to apply force on another person; they cause the other person to believe on reasonable grounds that they have the ability to effect their purpose; they beg or impede another person while openly carrying or wearing a weapon or an imitation of one. Note that the definition applies to all forms of assaults, including all types of sexual assault offences. For the purposes of this section, note that there is no consent obtained if the complainant submits by reason of: application of force on the complainant or another person; threats or fear of the use of force on the complainant or another person; fraud; or exercise of authority.