Sex Crimes

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Sex Crimes Q & A’s from Published Books


Sex crimes against others are often broken down into three areas: sexual abuse (generally against minors), sexual harassment, and sexual violence/assault/rape. All can lead to criminal prosecutions, although some acts of sexual harassment may initially get only a reprimand or warning.

The definitions of sexual crimes vary from state to state. Sexual Violence is an “all-encompassing, non-legal term that refers to crimes like sexual assault, rape, and sexual abuse.”1 According to Planned Parenthood Federation of America: “Every state defines crimes like ‘rape,’ ‘sexual assault,’ and ‘sexual abuse’ differently.”2

Sexual harassment is defined as “uninvited and unwelcome verbal or physical behavior of a sexual nature especially by a person in authority toward a subordinate (such as an employee or student).”3

Some workplace or educator-student hugs may be benign, but under some circumstances could lead to a lawsuit or criminal prosecution.

The sourced articles below should provide you more information on sexual abuse (generally against minors), sexual harassment, and sexual violence/assault/rape.

Footnotes: 1. “Types of Sexual Violence,”rainn.org, accessed 9/27/2018; 2. “Sexual Assault, Abuse & Rape,” plannedparenthood.org, accessed 10/10/2018; 3. merriam-webster.com, accessed 9/27/2018

  1. Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Click here
  2. Sexual Violence/Assault/Rape Click here
  3. Organizations Combating Sex Abuse Click here