What is the key element of sexual assault?

The key element of sexual assault is often defined by the act of non-consensual sexual contact or behavior. While unwanted physical contact can relate to sexual assault, the defining characteristic is the lack of consent, particularly when force or coercion is used. Forcible sexual penetration represents a specific and severe act of sexual assault that highlights the violation of consent and personal autonomy. This definition does not require that there be physical injury or a certain level of violence, but it emphasizes the absence of permission from the victim to engage in the sexual act. Therefore, the nature of the act—specifically forcible penetration—stands as a critical component in legal definitions and societal understandings of sexual assault, marking it as a serious crime and violation.