According to Georgia law, sexual assault can take many forms. The term sexual assault refers to any behavior or sexual contact that occurs without consent. Forms of sexual assault include fondling, sexual touching, being forced to perform sexual acts, attempted rape and rape.
When a person is sexually victimized, they may be legally able to seek compensation for any injuries that result. There may also be special compensation available for people as victims of crime. If a person is a victim, they should consult an attorney for assistance.
It is important to note that while sexual assault and rape are terms that are often used interchangeably, they are different crimes. Rape is defined to include penetration without consent. Sexual assault does not need to include penetration of any body part by any object. Sexual assault, again, can mean findling, unwanted touching or the force to perform sexual acts. Think of sexual assault as a sort of umbrella term, and rape being a specific event. Rape is a form of sexual assault, as are many other crimes.
It has been found that seven out of ten sexual assaults are committed by people known by the victim. This can include instances of incest and date rape, among other crimes. Any victim of sexual assault should first contact law enforcement officials, seek medical care and then contact an attorney experienced in this type of law. An experienced attorney can assist a victim in seeking the types of compensation that are legally available.