Varying Degrees

There are different types of sexual assault, ranging in severity from groping to forcible rape.

Not a sexual part of her body. Not sexual assault. Could contribute to a type of sexual harassment though.

Sexual assault is an intentional touching of a sexual part of your body you did not consent to.

The exact definition varies from state to state, but that's the basic idea.

It's basically some jerk grabbing where he's not supposed to.

The touching is intentional. It's a sexual touching, and there is no consent.

He might even do it live on MTV.

Taylor Swift famously sued a radio DJ for groping her at a meet and greet event.

This is the same type of sexual assault.

He might even do it on the sly in front of cameras.

photo: By Georges Biard, Wikimedia Commons

In this kind of sexual assault, the perpetrator uses force or threat of force to induce sexual activity.

The touching is intentional and overtly sexual. Not consent is given due to the theat or use of force.

It's the kind Harvey Weinstein was found guilty of in 2022.

In this type of sexual assault, the perpetrator uses a drug such as GHB to incapacitate the victim.

Again, it's intentional and sexual, but no consent is given.

It' the kind Bill Cosby was found guilty of.

photo: Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office

There are a variety of related offenses, such as forced oral copulation, sexual penetration by foreign object, indecent assault and others.

Definitions vary from state to state, but all have the same basic elements: no consent and an intentional sexual touching

SBO

According to many survivors, reporting is a kind of secondary trauma. Not with SBO.

With SBO you record information on your own time in your own way. Not sure how to define what happened? You can record all the information anonymously on SBO while you sort through the issues.

If you decide to make a formal report, your information is well organized. We keep it safe and sound for you. We don't share it with anyone unless you want us to.