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 generally includes aggravating circumstances that increase the severity of the sexual assault—such as when the assailant or perpetrator uses, displays, or threatens the victim with a deadly weapon (a gun or knife); when the assailant uses a rape drug to incapacitate the victim; or when the victim is a child under a certain age, as defined by the statute.

In Vermont, sexual assault is defined under Vermont Statutes Annotated (V.S.A.) Title 13, Chapter 72, which includes various offenses such as sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, and others. Sexual assault in Vermont typically involves engaging in a sexual act with another person without the person's consent or when the person is incapable of giving consent due to age, mental disability, or incapacitation. Aggravated sexual assault, a more severe form of sexual assault, is outlined in 13 V.S.A. § 3253. This offense may include circumstances where the perpetrator uses a deadly weapon, causes bodily injury to the victim, or when the victim is under the age of 16. The use of drugs to incapacitate the victim can also elevate a sexual assault to an aggravated sexual assault. Vermont law imposes strict penalties for sexual assault offenses, with aggravated sexual assault carrying potential life imprisonment. The specific age of the child and other factors that may aggravate the severity of the offense are detailed within the statute, and the law is designed to provide greater protection to the most vulnerable individuals in society.