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 Hawaii, sexual assault is defined under Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 707-730 to 707-733. The law categorizes sexual assault into different degrees, with the first degree being the most severe. Sexual assault in Hawaii includes forced sexual intercourse, sodomy, or other sexual penetration without consent. Aggravated sexual assault of a child is considered a more severe offense and involves a victim who is a minor. The age of the child can increase the severity of the crime, with younger victims typically resulting in more serious charges. The exact age that defines a child in these cases can vary, but generally, it refers to individuals who are below the age of consent, which is 16 years old in Hawaii. The penalties for sexual assault can range from probation and fines to lengthy prison sentences, depending on the degree of the offense and the specific circumstances, including the age of the victim.