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 Ohio, sexual assault is legally referred to as 'sexual battery' and is defined under Ohio Revised Code Section 2907.03. It involves engaging in sexual conduct with another person without their consent, and it can be elevated to 'aggravated sexual battery' if certain aggravating factors are present, such as the use of force or the victim being incapacitated. When the victim is a child, the offense is typically classified under 'rape' (Section 2907.02) or 'gross sexual imposition' (Section 2907.05), depending on the circumstances. The age of the child is a critical factor, with more severe penalties if the child is under 13 years of age. Ohio law recognizes the increased severity of sexual offenses against children and imposes strict penalties, which can include mandatory prison sentences and sex offender registration requirements. The specific age that defines a child and the corresponding punishments for offenses against minors are detailed in the statutes, reflecting the state's commitment to protecting children from sexual abuse.
