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 Tennessee, sexual assault, legally referred to as 'sexual battery,' is defined under Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-13-505 as unlawful sexual contact with a victim by force or coercion, without the consent of the victim, or when the victim is physically unable to resist. Aggravated sexual battery, a more severe form of sexual assault, is addressed under § 39-13-504 and includes circumstances where the coercion is accomplished with a weapon, the victim suffers serious bodily injury, or the perpetrator has a certain authority over the victim. When the victim is a child, the offense is categorized differently. Tennessee law defines 'aggravated sexual battery' against a child under § 39-13-504, and 'rape of a child' under § 39-13-522, which involves sexual penetration with a child under 13 years of age. The law imposes harsher penalties for sexual offenses against children, recognizing the vulnerability of minors. The age of the child and the nature of the offense can significantly increase the severity of the crime and the corresponding punishment, which can include extensive prison sentences and mandatory registration as a sex offender.