Sexual violence is a crime, regardless of the perpetrator or where it happens. The offender is always responsible for their actions, never the crime survivor. In California, sexual assault is a serious crime involving intimate contact that a person did not agree (consent) to or was forced into against their will. Regrettably, sexual assault can take many forms, such as:
- Rape and statutory rape where the survivor is below the legal age of consent
- Sodomy
- Incest
- Sexual assault involving a minor
- Stalking
- Child prostitution
- Child pornography
- Oral copulation of a minor
- Internet sex crimes
Sexual Assault Is a General Term for a Range of Serious Crimes
Sexual assault refers to many different types of illegal and criminal conduct. Defined as any sexual contact or behavior towards another person without their consent or against their will, sexual assault can include the following:Rape and Statutory Rape
Rape is a criminal offense defined under California law as sexual penetration against a person's will through violence, physical force, psychological coercion, threats, or fraud. The term also applies if someone cannot consent through a lack of freedom or capacity to choose of their own accord. For example, it is considered non-consensual if a victim is:- Asleep or unconscious
- Being pressured, bullied, or manipulated
- Below the legal age of consent (under 18 years of age in California)
- Impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Living with a mental health condition that prevents them from having freedom of choice
- Being physically forced by the perpetrator
Sodomy
Like rape, sodomy is a criminal offense where the perpetrator acts against a victim’s will or without their consent in the manner listed above. It is typical for survivors of sexual assault to experience a range of emotions, and just as trauma can take many forms, so can the healing process. Many medical and legal professionals are ready to help victims.Incest
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) states that the sexual abuse of a child by a parent or guardian is incredibly difficult for survivors to discuss, even though it is a widespread problem. However, you are not alone, you are not to blame, and some people can help you heal in a way that works for you and access the support you need.Internet Sex Crimes
Internet sex crimes involve the use of the internet for a wide variety of criminal offenses involving solicitation, the use of pornography, or harassing, grooming, coercing, or bullying minors. While perpetrators seek to hide behind the anonymity of the virtual environment, children and young people who are abused and exploited online are real victims. Unfortunately, these are just a handful of the different types of sexual assault. Whatever the nature of your experience, we are here to listen, stand up for your rights, and help you seek a sense of justice and compensation for what you experienced. We are ready to fight for you.Survivors of Sexual Assault Have Rights
As well as holding the perpetrator to account criminally, survivors of sexual assault can also file a civil lawsuit to recover financial damages. While no amount of compensation can undo this terrible wrongdoing, it can contribute to the healing process by helping with expenses like:- Medical bills
- Counseling
- Pain and suffering
- Lower quality of life
- Emotional distress