What is sexual battery?

Sexual battery is a criminal offense that involves nonconsensual touching of a person's intimate body parts, often for sexual gratification or to assert power over the victim. This can include touching of the genitals, buttocks, breasts, or other intimate areas without the person's consent.

Sexual battery is considered a serious violation of a person's bodily autonomy and can have profound psychological and emotional effects on the victim. It is typically classified as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the specific laws of the jurisdiction where the offense occurred.

In the legal context, sexual battery is often prosecuted as a separate offense from other sexual crimes like rape or sexual assault. It is important for victims of sexual battery to seek support from law enforcement, medical professionals, and victim advocacy organizations to ensure their safety and well-being.