Sexual assaults are characterized primarily as acts of what?

Sexual assaults are primarily characterized as acts of violence. This classification stems from the fact that sexual assault involves the use or threat of physical force or emotional harm to overpower and control the victim. The violent nature of these acts is not limited to physical violence; it can also encompass psychological trauma inflicted on the victim.

While manipulation, coercion, and deception may be tactics employed by perpetrators in the context of sexual assault, the essence of the crime lies in the violent violation of a person's autonomy and consent. Understanding sexual assault through the lens of violence emphasizes the seriousness of the crime and the necessity for law enforcement and society to address it as a profound infringement on personal safety and rights. This perspective is critical for officers to comprehend the impact on victims and to ensure appropriate responses and interventions in such cases.