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 Mississippi, sexual assault is defined under the state's criminal statutes, specifically in Section 97-3-65 of the Mississippi Code. The law considers sexual battery to be the unlawful engagement in sexual penetration with another person without their consent, and it is a felony offense. Aggravated sexual assault typically involves circumstances that increase the severity of the offense, such as the use of a deadly weapon, the infliction of serious bodily injury, or the victim being a vulnerable individual, such as a child. In Mississippi, the criminal offense of sexual battery of a child occurs when the victim is under the age of 14, and this is considered statutory rape. The age of the victim is a critical factor in determining the severity of the charge and the potential punishment, which can include lengthy prison sentences. It is important for individuals facing such charges to consult with an attorney who is knowledgeable in Mississippi's criminal laws to understand the specific charges and potential defenses.