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 Rhode Island, sexual assault is defined under the state's criminal statutes and is taken very seriously, especially when the victim is a child. The state's laws categorize various degrees of sexual assault, with first-degree sexual assault including forced sexual intercourse, sodomy, or other sexual penetration without the victim's consent. Aggravated sexual assault in Rhode Island is a more severe charge that typically involves additional circumstances that increase the gravity of the offense, such as the use of a weapon, causing serious bodily injury, or the victim being under a certain age. Specifically, when the victim is a child, the crime is often referred to as 'first-degree child molestation sexual assault' if the child is under 14 years of age, and 'second-degree child molestation sexual assault' if the child is between 14 and 16 years old. The age of the victim is a critical factor in determining the severity of the charge and the potential punishment, which can include lengthy prison sentences. It is important for individuals facing such charges to seek the counsel of an experienced attorney who can navigate the complexities of Rhode Island's sexual assault laws.