What Is the Difference Between Rape and Sexual Assault?

Rape is sexual assault that involves penetration. In the United States, rape can include any form of sexual contact without consent, such as vaginal, anal, or oral penetration with an object or body part. It does not matter if the victim was forced or threatened. Any non-consensual contact is considered rape.

What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is any intentional sexual contact without consent. This includes groping, fondling, and forcing someone to touch another person’s genitals or other intimate areas against their will. Other forms of sexual assault include verbal harassment or coercion, using force to expose oneself, or engaging in voyeurism. Sexual assault can also include unwanted touching that does not involve penetration, such as kissing or rubbing against another person without their consent.

What is the Difference?

The main difference between rape and sexual assault is that rape involves sexual contact without consent, which includes penetration, while sexual assault covers a broader range of non-consensual intimate contact. Both are serious crimes with severe legal consequences. Anyone who experiences either form of sexual violence should seek help from qualified professionals and consider speaking to an attorney about their options for legal recourse.

What are My Options as a Survivor?

If you are a survivor of rape or sexual assault, you have the right to pursue legal action against your perpetrator and seek support from trusted professionals who understand what you have gone through. You are not alone; help is available to you.
If you have been a victim of either rape or sexual assault, please seek help as soon as possible. We can provide information about legal remedies available to you and how you can obtain justice.

Survivors of rape and sexual assault can seek legal recourse to recover compensation for their damages. In many states, victims of these crimes may be eligible to receive compensation that covers medical and mental health expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

How Can an Experienced Sexual Abuse Lawyer Help?

No one should ever have to suffer from rape or sexual assault; however, if you do find yourself a survivor of either crime, there are resources available that can help you recover financially from the experience. From criminal prosecution against perpetrators to civil litigation against third parties responsible for allowing an attack to occur in the first place – there are ways you can obtain justice and secure financial assistance as you move forward with your life after trauma experienced due to rape or sexual assault. We can find evidence and help you get the justice you deserve. Contact us today to learn more.