What is the legal definition of sexual assault in the District of Columbia?
You are eligible to file for a civil protection order (CPO) against a person regardless of your relationship with him/her if s/he commits sexual assault against you.1
There are several sexual assault crimes in D.C.:
- sexual abuse (1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree, 4th degree, and misdemeanor);
- sexual abuse of children (under 16) and minors (under 18):
- sexual abuse of a child (1st degree and 2nd degree);
- sexual abuse of a minor (1st degree and 2nd degree);
- misdemeanor sexual abuse of a child or minor;
- enticing a child or minor;
- arranging for sexual contact with a child;
- use of a minor in sexual performances;
- sex trafficking and prostitution offenses:
- sex trafficking of children;
- abducting/enticing/harboring a child for the purpose of prostitution;
- pandering, inducing/compelling a person to engage in prostitution;
- compelling an individual to live life of prostitution against his or her will;
- causing spouse/domestic partner to live in prostitution;
- detaining an individual in a disorderly house for debt;
- incest;
- sexual abuse of vulnerable individuals:
- sexual abuse of a secondary education student (1st degree and 2nd degree);
- sexual abuse of a ward, patient, client, or prisoner (1st degree and 2nd degree);
- sexual abuse of a patient or client (1st degree and 2nd degree); and
- attempts to commit any of the above crimes. 2
1 D.C. Code § 16-1001(14)
2 D.C. Code § 23-1907(9)