The Alaska Criminal Code defines several types of sexual assault:
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Sexual assault in the 1st degree
Sexual Assault in the 2nd degree
Sexual assault in the 3rd degree
Sexual abuse of a minor in the 1st degree
Sexual abuse of a minor in the 2nd degree
Sexual abuse of a minor in the 3rd degree
Sexual abuse of a minor in the 4th degree

The definitions presented below will help you understand the law and its terms. It is not intended to substitute for the legal advice of an attorney, magistrate or judge.

Attempted Sexual Assault:
The act was not completed, but the assailant intended to commit the offense and took substantial steps toward its completion.

Sexual Contact:
Intentially touching the genitals, anus, or female breast, whether through clothing or not. Includes the assailant touching the victim or the victim being forced to touch the assailant.

Sexual Penetration:
Putting any part of the body or any object into someone else's genital, anal, or oral opening. Genital or anal intercourse. Oral sex.

Without Consent
Not agreeing or giving permission. Through actual use of force or by threatening to hurt, injure, kidnap or kill ssomeone, a person is coerced into doing something. The person does not have to resist. The force or threats prove they were coerced. This law assumes that someone who is incapacitated is not able to give consent.

Incapacitation:
Temporarily unable to understand someone's conduct. Physically unable to express unwillingness. Can apply to someone who is drunk or sleeping.

Force:
Contacting the body (by hitting, punching, slapping, biting, kicking, etc.) or threatening to do so.

Physical Injury:
Physical pain or impairment (cuts, bruises, broken bones, burns, etc.)

Serious Physical Injury: An injury that greatly increases the chance of dying. The loss of or damage to an organ in the body (stomach, heart, etc.) or of a bodily function (hearing, seeing, walking) Serious disfigurement (scars, burns). An act of violence which unlawfully ends a pregnancy.

Acquaintance Rape:
Most common type of rape

Date Rape:
One of the most common forms of rape.

Marital Rape:
Sexual expression of aggression against one's spouse
Fulfills perpetrator's need for power over spouse or to express anger
Often the norm for the relationship; not just one isolated assault
By 1995, every state except Kentucky recognized marital rape as a crime

Sexual Assaults by Known or Unknown Perpetrators

Child Sexual Assault:
Child is fondled, caressed, and/or penetrated by older, sexually mature person
Perpetrator is often a relative, family friend, neighbor, or other person the child knows and trusts
Child may be told the activities are a "secret"
Can be a one-time occurrence or an on-going situation

Gang Rape
Two or more perpetrators rape one victim; victim may know one or more participants
Additional people may watch or "cheer on" the perpetrators
Motive is often conquest - usually men over women
Also referred to as "party rape". This type of assault is common on college campuses

Sexual Assaults by Unknown Perpetrators

Stranger Rape:
Least common type of sexual assault
Usually ends in grave injury or death of the victim
Ruthless, unpredictable assaults; often committed by sadistic rapists
Perceived as very common because these rapes often gain wide media exposure

Excerpted from:
"A Guide to Rape Awareness and Prevention" by Robert & Jeanine Ferguson
"I Never Called It Rape: the Ms. Report on Recognizing, Fighting, and Surviving Date and Acquaintance Rape" by Robin Warsh
Alaska State Statutes

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Kenai, AK 99611
907-283-9479

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin proclaims April Sexual Assault Awareness Monthh

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