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Sexual misconduct, sexual assault, rape, etc.

What is it?

By Lena BaileyPublished 4 years ago 5 min read
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So I wanted to write this post to clear up what all these me too terms really mean. These terms are known but the definitions aren't known that well. I will be going by the definitions that are legal, found on dictionary. com and some other definition sites. I will also get into the misconceptions. So let's get into what all these means.

Please note any of these things can happen when it comes to the person you are in a relationship with. People think that this isn't something that happens in a relationship but it is. Any kind of sexual misconduct or anything similar can happen in any situation. Just because you're in a relationship doesn't mean you always have consent all the time for everything.

Let's cover consent first, this will come up in a lot of the definitions. Consent is permission for something to happen. Consent is not just someone not saying no. It's informed and given without hesitation. The person has to know everything that is going to happen to them and how it's going to happen.

So let's start with the big one: sexual misconduct. I don't think I ever heard this term until the me too movement became a thing in recent years. Sexual misconduct is the umbrella term for any sexual behavior that is wrong and unwanted. Some people include rape and molestation into this term. According to Wikipedia sexual misconduct is any misconduct of a sexual nature that is of lesser offense than felony sexual assault (such as rape and molestation) especially where sexual conduct would be out of place or inappropriate. Also according to Wikipedia sexual assault also can happen in a situation where there is some aspect of power or authority so like maybe a boss at work or a teacher at school.

Wikipedia stated something I think we all knew that sexual misconduct is a legal term include non criminal acts but are still a violation to a person boundary in the area of sexuality and intimate personal relationships. So that gives the idea that misconduct could happen outside of the work or school environment.

On legal dictionary's website sexual misconduct is any conduct which is sexual in nature and which is unwelcome and engaged in without consent this includes everything from groping to rape. To be criminal the act of misconduct must meet a state's standard. This definition is also similar to the one on urban dictionary which is that it is any act sexual in nature done against someone's will or without their consent.

This was not on the dictionary or Meriam webster website. I guess it's in oue vocabulary and in the legal vocabulary because of the current me too movement but there's not really a dictionary definition for it.

So how is this different than sexual abuse? According to Wikipedia it is also known as molestation and is an abusive sexual behavior. It is done by force or by the abuser taking advantage of someone. It turns into assault when it is a short encounter or not frequent. According to the urban dictionary child sexual abuse is when an adult uses a child for their sexual needs. They didn't have a definition for sexual abuse of adults.

The legal dictionary didn't have a definition for sexual abuse but Merriam Webster had the legal definition which is forced sexual contact. It is also considered any sexual contact with someone under the legal age or unable to give consent.

Sexual assault (according to Wikipedia) is an act where some sexually touches another person without their consent. Urban dictionary adds to this definition by stating that it is any sexual act down without consent. This is includes touching, groping, oral sex and other things sexual in nature. It can be considered assault if the person is touched or assaulted while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or is unconscious. These definitions go along with the legal definition and the legal dictionary adds that this is considered a violent crime.

One we don't talk a lot about is sexual violence. Sexual violence is defined as any sexual action that is done by violence. Sex trafficking is also considered sexual violence. Sex trafficking is when someone is forced into the sex trade or sex work. This can happen through bribe, kidnapping or other means.

Also we sometimes talk about molestation but not enough. Molestation is an sexual act done to a child against their consent. This is similar to statutory rape which is a felony. It's when someone who is over the age of consent has sex with a person under the age of consent. Usually the act is consensual. Legal dictionary states that in most places the legal age is 18 but it can be 15 to 18.

Rape is one we all talk about a lot. Rape is any sexual act including penetration that is done against a person's consent. This includes committing this act on someone who is drunk or can't give consent. Some people have mental issues to where they can't give consent. There is also a thing called relational or marital rape, this is rape that happens during a relationship or marriage.

Sexual harassment is harassment that is sexual nature. It also can include unwelcome or inappropriate promise of rewards in exchange for sexual favors. Sexual harassment can happen anywhere from church, work or school. This can include snapping of the bra straps, comments on the way you look, and people rubbing up against. This is also includes unwelcomed advances but this does not include unwelcomed advances because you're not interested in them.

These were the main definitions and ones I thought needed to be addressed because we hear them so often. Do your research especially on the legal definitions because that's what they will go by if you get accused of something.

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About the Creator

Lena Bailey

Georgia born writer. Specializing in dating and true crime

If you have any questions or comments please email [email protected]

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