Rape and Sexual Assault
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Main Content
Sexual Assault and Rape:
Sexual assault is any sexual act directed against another person against their will and/or without their consent. Sexual assault is a broad term that includes many things. Examples of sexual assault include:
- Forced
- These acts include:
- Forcible Rape:
- Penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the Complainant.
- Penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the Complainant.
- Forcible Sodomy:
- Oral or anal sexual intercourse with another person, forcibly, and/or against that person’s will (non-consensually), or not forcibly or against the person’s will in instances in which the Complainant is incapable of giving consent because of age or because of temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
- Oral or anal sexual intercourse with another person, forcibly, and/or against that person’s will (non-consensually), or not forcibly or against the person’s will in instances in which the Complainant is incapable of giving consent because of age or because of temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
- Sexual Assault with an Object:
- The use of an object or instrument to penetrate, however slightly, the genital or anal opening of the body of another person, forcibly, and/or against that person’s will (non-consensually), or not forcibly or against the person’s will in instances in which the Complainant is incapable of giving consent because of age or because of temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
- The use of an object or instrument to penetrate, however slightly, the genital or anal opening of the body of another person, forcibly, and/or against that person’s will (non-consensually), or not forcibly or against the person’s will in instances in which the Complainant is incapable of giving consent because of age or because of temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
- Forcible Fondling:
- The touching of the private body parts of another person (buttocks, groin, breasts), for the purpose of sexual gratification, forcibly, and/or against that person’s will (non-consensually), or not forcibly or against the person’s will in instances in which the Complainant is incapable of giving consent because of age or because of temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
- The touching of the private body parts of another person (buttocks, groin, breasts), for the purpose of sexual gratification, forcibly, and/or against that person’s will (non-consensually), or not forcibly or against the person’s will in instances in which the Complainant is incapable of giving consent because of age or because of temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
- Forcible Rape:
- These acts include:
- Lack of Consent
- Any sexual act directed against another person, without the consent of the Complainant, including instances in which the Complainant is incapable of giving consent. See the definition of consent.
- Any sexual act directed against another person, without the consent of the Complainant, including instances in which the Complainant is incapable of giving consent. See the definition of consent.
- Non-forcible
- Incest: Non-forcible sexual intercourse, between persons who are related to each other, within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by Illinois law.
- Statutory Rape: Non-forcible sexual intercourse, with a person who is under the statutory age of consent of seventeen.
Rape is a form of sexual assault. Rape is the actual or attempted penetration, no matter how slight, of a person’s bodily opening. This includes penetration with objects or other body parts.
Common Feelings and Reactions to Sexual Assault:
There is no “right” way to feel after an assault, and it is normal to feel a variety of new emotions. Know that other survivors have experienced similar feelings and that you are not alone.
Common feelings after an assault include:
- Fear and Mistrust of Others - “I feel scared all the time and don’t trust people anymore.”
- Anxiety - “I feel jittery and on edge all the time.”
- Guilt, Shame, and Self-blame -“This is all my fault. If only I hadn’t…”
- Frustration, Irritability, and Anger - “I am angry all the time now.”
- Difficulty Concentrating -“I can’t concentrate in school because my mind wonders.”
- Flashbacks or Recurring Thoughts -“I feel like I am reliving the assault all the time.”
- Loss of control -“I feel like my life is out of control.”
- Sadness or Depression -“I feel sad all the time.”
- Feeling “Dirty” or “Used” - “I feel dirty like there is something wrong with me now.”
Healing from sexual assault is a process that takes time and looks different for everyone. Help is available.