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 Maryland, sexual assault encompasses a range of non-consensual sexual acts, including rape and sodomy, as defined under Maryland Criminal Law Code § 3-303 through § 3-308. Rape, for instance, is classified as either first-degree or second-degree rape, with first-degree rape involving aggravated circumstances such as the use of a weapon, serious physical harm, or the victim being a certain category of vulnerable individuals. Aggravated sexual assault of a child is treated with particular severity, and Maryland law recognizes the enhanced vulnerability of children. Under § 3-602 of the Maryland Criminal Law Code, sexual abuse of a minor is a felony, and the penalties are more severe if the victim is under the age of 13. The law also includes provisions for continuous sexual abuse of a child, which refers to a series of acts over time. The age of consent in Maryland is 16, and statutory provisions are in place to prosecute individuals who engage in sexual acts with persons below this age, with increased penalties if the child is significantly younger than the age of consent or if the offender is in a position of authority over the child.