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 Wisconsin, sexual assault is defined under the Wisconsin Statutes Section 940.225. The law categorizes sexual assault into different degrees, with first-degree sexual assault being the most serious, involving sexual contact or intercourse with another person without consent and by use of force or threat. Aggravated sexual assault of a child is a specific offense that involves a victim who is below the age of consent, which in Wisconsin is 18 years old. The presence of a child victim increases the severity of the offense and the potential penalties upon conviction. The law recognizes that children cannot legally give consent to sexual activities, and therefore, any sexual contact or penetration involving a child is subject to severe punishment, including lengthy prison sentences. The exact penalties for sexual assault, including aggravated sexual assault of a child, depend on the specific circumstances of the case, such as the age of the child, the use of force, and the perpetrator's criminal history.