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 Connecticut, sexual assault is defined under various degrees with specific statutes outlining the nature of the offenses and their corresponding punishments. Forced sexual intercourse, sodomy, or other sexual penetration without consent constitutes sexual assault. The severity of the offense increases with the involvement of aggravating factors such as the use of force, the threat of force, or the incapacitation of the victim. Aggravated sexual assault in Connecticut is a more serious offense and includes situations where the victim is under a certain age, typically under 16, which is considered statutory rape. The law recognizes the inability of children to give consent, and thus, the age of the victim plays a crucial role in determining the severity of the crime. Penalties for sexual assault can range from imprisonment, fines, to mandatory registration as a sex offender, depending on the degree of the offense. Aggravated sexual assault of a child is treated with particular severity due to the vulnerability of minors and carries harsher penalties, including longer prison sentences.