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 Texas, sexual assault is defined under Texas Penal Code Section 22.011 as intentionally or knowingly causing the penetration of the anus or sexual organ of another person by any means, without that person's consent. This also includes the penetration of the mouth of another person by the sexual organ of the actor, without consent, or causing another person's sexual organ to contact or penetrate the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of another, including the actor, without consent. Aggravated sexual assault, a more serious offense, is outlined in Section 22.021 of the Texas Penal Code. It includes the same actions as sexual assault but with additional factors that increase the crime's severity, such as causing serious bodily injury or using a deadly weapon during the commission of the crime. When the victim is a child, the offense is even more severe. A child is defined as anyone under the age of 17 in Texas. Aggravated sexual assault of a child includes various circumstances, such as the age of the victim and the perpetrator, and the nature of the sexual act. The penalties for these crimes are severe and can include lengthy prison sentences, including life imprisonment, and mandatory registration as a sex offender.