Sexual Assault

any sexual act directed against another person, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent; also unlawful sexual intercourse.

Sexual assault includes the following:

  • Rape

  • Sodomy

  • Sexual Assault with an Object

  • Fondling

  • Incest

  • Statutory Rape

KAYLA

Kayla Hope is a member of the Literature Club at the Community College. Kayla attended a study abroad to the UK where they toured many important libraries and landmarks throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Kayla has gotten close with many of her new friends in the Literature Club, but has become very close with fellow student Lisa Kincaid. Kayla knows that Lisa recently came out to her friends and family as a lesbian, and Kayla thinks Lisa may be using this international trip to explore her new-found sexuality. One afternoon while visiting and touring the vast libraries of Windsor Castle, Lisa pulled Kayla to the back of the tour group and waited for them to turn a corner. Lisa kissed Kayla on her mouth and grabbed her breast. Lisa told Kayla, “Don’t tell me you haven’t been thinking about me.” Kayla was so shocked she couldn’t speak, and walked away from Lisa without saying a word. Kayla spends the rest of the trip avoiding Lisa, and when she gets back to the Community College, she knows she needs to report what happened. 

BRE

Bre attended the new student orientation dance at the beginning of the semester with her new roommates. While she stood off to the side of the dance, the DJ played her favorite song (the Britney song was on), and she excitedly ran to the center of the floor to dance with the crowd. While she danced, Bre remembers feeling someone touch her on her shoulder and her hip.

Bre was sexually assaulted. True or False?

AZIZ

Zain has seen his roommate, Aziz, change in the last few months. Aziz used to be very happy and loved to joke around with everyone he knew. He used to exercise regularly and go with Zain to play Ultimate Frisbee every Tuesday. Now, Aziz has been very sad, rarely comes out of his room, and isn't his regular joking self. Zain has heard Aziz crying in his room, and he knows that Aziz is failing a couple of his courses because Aziz left a couple of his exams with failing marks mistakenly on the kitchen table. Zain knows that Aziz began dating Melanie a couple of months ago, and wonders if Aziz might be experiencing some abuse. 

What other signs of sexual assault should Zain look for? Select all that apply

  1. Self-harming behaviors.

  2. Avoiding specific situations or places.

  3. Anxiety about situations that did not seem to cause anxiety in the past.

  4. Increase in drug or alcohol abuse.

JENNY

Jenny has been feeling off ever since her first date with Ken. Ken was a nice guy, and they hit it off right away due to their shared interest in jazz music. On their date, during dinner, Jenny was surprised when Ken gave her a kiss on her cheek. Her surprise turned to flattery and affection, and she found herself returning his kiss soon after. Jenny felt so happy to have finally found someone she could connect with, and they wrapped up their date at his apartment. As the night wore on, they talked and laughed and had a great time together. Jenny remembers telling him several times very clearly that she didn't want to have sex, but she froze and couldn't think of what to say to Ken’s sexual advances. Before she knew it, they were on his bed having sex. She left Ken's apartment feeling confused. Now, she wonders if what she experienced was rape, or if she is just being dramatic.

Was Jenny raped by Ken?

  1. No, Jenny did nothing to stop Ken from having sex with her.

  2. Yes, Jenny clearly communicated that she did not want to have sex.