What Is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is any type of sexual activity that a person does not agree to, including inappropriate touching; vaginal, anal, or oral penetration; sexual intercourse that a person says no to; rape; attempted rape; harassment; exposing/flashing; forcing a person to pose for sexual pictures; or child molestation. Sexual assault can be verbal, visual, or anything that forces a person to join in unwanted sexual contact or attention.

A common form of sexual assault is rape. It is committed in many situations—on a date, by a friend or an acquaintance, or by a stranger. Rape and sexual assault are never the victim’s fault—no matter where or how it happens.

The University of Tennessee is committed to creating an environment for students that is safe, respectful, and nonthreatening. If you experience, or know a student who has or is experiencing, sexual assault, domestic or dating violence, or stalking, please inform the university as soon as possible so we can be a support to you and to the student.