What's The Difference Between Rape And Molestation?

Both rape and molestation are forms of sexual abuse, and both are very serious crimes.

What Is Rape?
Rape is any form of sexual penetration without consent. This could be oral, vaginal or anal penetration. Consent is not obtained in any of the following circumstances:

• If a person expresses that they don’t want to have sex
• If a person is unconscious or seriously incapacitated
• If a person is under the age of consent (even if they choose to have sex, this is still legally classed as rape)
• If a person is blackmailed or coerced
• If a position of power or authority is abused in order to convince the other person to have sex

What Is Molestation?
Molestation is when unwanted sexual contact is forced upon somebody. The term also covers any kind of sexual act upon a child, even if the child appears to give consent. Types of molestation include:

• Unwanted touching or groping
• Showing pornography to a minor
• Forced sexual behavior (molestation includes rape)
• Removing somebody’s clothes against their wishes
• Some forms of verbal sexual harassment
• Incest
• Sexual kissing

Both rape and molestation have serious a psychological impact on the victim, and can often lead to mental health issues and, in extreme cases, suicide.