Sexual Assault

Statutory Sexual Assault
Pennsylvania Law

The age of consent IN PENNSYLVANIA is 16.

Persons younger than 13 CANNOT consent.
Sex with someone younger than 13 is ALWAYS considered RAPE.

If a person has sexual intercourse with a minor under the age of 16 and that person is four or more years older than the minor, the act is called "statutory sexual assault." Statutory sexual assault is a 2nd degree felony, punishable by a prison term of up to 10 years.

Therefore...

...it is statutory sexual assault when a 19-year old has sex with a 15-year old.

...it is statuatory sexual assault when an 18-year old has sex with a 14-year old.

...it is statutory sexual assault when a 17-year old has sex with a 13-year old.

Don't be fooled, it is STILL sexual assault IF...

the minor lies about his/her age
the minor has had previous sexual experience
the minor is in a committed relationship with the older person
the minor initiates or agrees to sexual intercourse
the minor's parents have given consent

* The older person is ALWAYS held accountable!*

Sexual Harassment is...

...a form of sexual assault that can be physical, verbal, written or some form of gestures.
...behavior that is unwanted and will make the victim uncomfortable.
...repetitive and progressive. It WILL get worse!
...against the law!

What to do?
1. As soon as the harassment happens, tell the harasser to stop his/her behavior. Some people do not understand they have done something wrong until you tell them.
2. If you don't feel comfortable saying it to the harasser, write him/her a letter. Describe the behaviors that bother you and ask him/her to stop. Keep a copy of the letter for yourself.
3. Keep a journal of the incidents. Include in the journal what happened, when and where it happenend, who else was present and how you reacted to the behavior. Save any notes, pictures or written jokes you received.
4. Tell, tell, tell! Tell a teacher, guidance counselor, parent, employer or anyone whom you trust.
5. File a complaint in your school. Every school and most employers have policies against sexual harassment. You have a legal right to feel safe and comfortable at school or at work.
6. If no one at your school or job listens, file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights, with Pennsylvania's Department of Education (if applicable), or file a lawsuit under Federal Law Title IX. If under age, it is helpful to have a parent or guardian help you in a legal process.