A Definition of Rape, Sexual Assault and Related Terms

Rape / Sexual Assault

Although the legal definition of rape varies from state to state, rape is generally defined as forced or nonconsensual sexual contact.

Rape and/or sexual assault is forced, manipulated, or coerced sexual contact by a stranger, friend or acquaintance…. A person is forced into sexual contact through verbal coercion, threats, physical restraint, and/or physical violence. Consent is not given….

Coercion

Coercion is the use of emotional manipulation to persuade someone to something they may not want to do – like being sexual or performing certain sexual acts. Examples of some coercive statements include: “If you love me you would have sex with me .”, “If you don’t have sex with me I will find someone who will.”, and “I’m not sure I can be with someone who doesn’t want to have sex with me.” Coercive statements are often part of many campus acquaintance rapes. Being coerced into having sex or performing sexual acts is not consenting to having sex and is considered rape/sexual assault.

Consent

Consent is clear permission between intimate partners that what they are doing is okay and safe. To consent to something — like being sexual — means you confidently agree to do it based on your own free will without any influence or pressure.