What constitutes criminal sexual assault?

Criminal sexual assault is characterized by the act of forcing sexual acts upon another person without their consent. This is a serious crime that violates an individual's autonomy and bodily integrity. In this context, the term "forcing" implies coercion or the use of physical force or intimidation to compel someone into sexual activity against their will.

In contrast, inappropriate touching alone, while it may be a component of sexual abuse, does not encompass the full severity typically outlined in the definition of criminal sexual assault. Engaging in sexual acts with consent is not considered a crime; rather, it is a consensual interaction between adults. Attempting to solicit a minor is a different crime related to child exploitation but does not specifically fall under the definition of criminal sexual assault as it does not focus on the act of forcing sexual contact itself. Therefore, the definition that aligns with criminal sexual assault clearly highlights the element of coercion inherent in forcing sexual acts.