Sexual abuse and sexual assault are non-consensual activities carried out by one person against another. While both offenses are related to unwanted sexual behavior, there are some differences between the two.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault refers to a situation in which one person forces another to engage in a sexual act, threatens or uses force to do so. This can involve touching the genitals of the person without their consent. The main thing to keep in mind is that consent of the victim is not required in sexual assault, and they may give in because of force, threat of force, under the influence of drugs, or even emotional blackmail. Touching of genitals and fondling of private parts is included in sexual assault.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is a term applied to cases where an individual is sexually harassed by another and subjected to forced sexual contact by the aggressor. In sexual abuse, the duration of this behavior is long, as the use of force for undesired sexual behavior for a short duration qualifies as sexual assault. Sexual abuse includes unwanted sexual behavior towards children and spouses. The use of a position of power in offices is a common form of sexual abuse.
Key Takeaways
- Sexual abuse is undesirable sexual behavior on a long-term basis, whereas sexual assault is the use of force or threat of force for a short duration to achieve penetration or touch the genitals of the victim.
- Sexual abuse is a breach of trust or misuse of power, whereas sexual assault is violent and sudden.
- Rape is the culmination of sexual assault with the offender achieving penetration and ejaculation of semen.
