Assault involves the intent to cause physical harm to someone else. It can be physical, such as hitting, punching, kicking, or biting. Assault can also occur with a weapon — anything from a stick to a gun — or even by throwing an object at someone. Assault can also involve the direct threat to cause physical harm to someone, such as raising a fist with a threat to strike or verbally stating the intention to harm someone. When an assault involves sexual contact, it’s considered sexual assault. Sexual assault can range from unwanted contact with a sexual body part to rape or forcible penetration. There are several degrees of sexual assault, including coercion to participate in sexual activity. The exact definition of sexual assault can vary by state — each state has different statutes that encompass sexual assault, and an action that is considered sexual assault in one state may be classified as something else in another. Regardless, any non-consensual sexual act can be considered assault and is never the victim’s fault.