How is sexual battery defined?

Sexual battery is defined as making unwanted physical contact with an individual's intimate parts. This definition emphasizes that the contact must be non-consensual, meaning it occurs without the explicit agreement of the individual whose intimate areas have been touched. In legal terms, this type of contact infringes upon personal autonomy and can lead to serious legal repercussions for the perpetrator.

This definition serves to protect individuals from violations of their personal space and bodily integrity, reinforcing the principle that consent is a crucial element in all forms of physical interaction, particularly those of a sexual nature. It recognizes the aggravating factor of the physicality involved in such acts, distinguishing it from other forms of sexual misconduct or threats.

Other options do not capture the essence of sexual battery; for example, consensual contact does not fall under this definition since it implies mutual agreement. Likewise, merely threatening someone sexually does not involve the actual physical contact required for sexual battery. While sexual harassment may include a range of behaviors, it does not specifically denote the unwanted physical actions that characterize sexual battery.