TeenHealthFX - Answers - Difference B/T Sexual Abuse & Rape

Sexual Assault & Rape / Question
Published: March 25, 2003

Dear TeenHealthFX,

Hi, I was just wondering what the difference between sexual abuse and rape is? Thanks.

Signed: Difference B/T Sexual Abuse & Rape

Dear Difference B/T Sexual Abuse & Rape,

FX is wondering why you are asking this question. Hopefully, you just have a report due, but if not and you feel you are a victim of rape or sexual abuse, please get help. Report it to a trusted adult like a school nurse, parent or teacher. They can get you involved with the services you need.

To answer your question:

The definitions of both sexual abuse and rape can be interpreted by the legal system, so depending on where you live; there may be some differences.

But, in general terms, sexual abuse is inappropriately exposing or subjecting a child to sexual contact, activity, or behavior. Sexual abuse includes oral, anal, genital, buttock, and breast contact. It also includes the use of objects for vaginal or anal penetration, fondling, or sexual stimulation. This sexual activity may be with a boy or a girl and is done for the benefit of the offender.

Rape is an act that is carried out without the consent of the other person. This means that if a person says no to any kind of sex, they mean no. If they are violated, it is considered rape.

Here is some of the specific legal terms, rape is:

against a person's will by means of force, violence, duress, menace, or fear of immediate and unlawful bodily injury on the person or another.
where the victim is unable to resist because of an intoxicating, narcotic, or anesthetic substance that the accused has responsibility for administering.
where the victim is unconscious of the nature of the act and the perpetrator knows it.
where the victim believes, due to the perpetrator's intentional deceptive acts, that the perpetrator is her spouse.
where the perpetrator threatens to retaliate against the victim or any other person, and there is a reasonable possibility the perpetrator will execute the threat -- "threatens to retaliate" means threatens to kidnap, imprison, inflict extreme pain, serious bodily injury, or death.
where the victim is incapable of giving consent, and the perpetrator reasonably should know this.

Sexual assault (also has the same consent issues as rape) is another term that can include some aspects of both rape and sexual abuse depending on the state that you live in and the related laws. In all of cases involving rape, sexual assault, and sexual abuse the victim is not at fault. Getting help from police, counselors, and the medical field can assist the victim in recovering both physically and emotionally.

For specific information regarding the definitions in your area, contact your county prosecutor's office, local police department, or the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAIN) (800) 656.HOPE (4673) (which also serves as a crisis hotline). You also may find it helpful to check out the subcategory "Rape, Abuse, and Violence".

Signed: TeenHealthFX