Sexual assault is generally forced sexual intercourse, sodomy, or other sexual penetration of another person—against the person’s will and without the person’s consent. And although precise definitions and punishments vary from state to state, the criminal offense of aggravated sexual assault of a child includes the aggravating circumstance of the victim being a child under a certain age, as defined by the statute—which increases the severity of the crime.
In Illinois, sexual assault is legally defined under the Illinois Criminal Code as 'criminal sexual assault' and is considered a serious crime. It typically involves an act of sexual penetration without the consent of the victim, accomplished by use of force or threat of force, or when the victim is unable to give consent. Aggravated criminal sexual assault is a more severe offense and includes factors such as causing bodily harm, being armed with a weapon, or committing the assault during the commission of another felony. The offense becomes even more serious when the victim is a child. The Illinois Criminal Code specifies 'predatory criminal sexual assault of a child' as an offense involving a victim under the age of 13, which carries harsher penalties. The age of the child victim is a key factor in determining the severity of the crime and the corresponding punishment, with the law imposing strict penalties to protect minors from sexual abuse.