Is this considered sexual assault?

Question

When I was 13, I was on an empty bus when this 50-55 year old man got on. He sat opposite me and started rubbing his crotch and began exposing himself. He was looking at me the entire time, so I'm pretty sure it was directed at me. He never followed me home or touched me, so I'm unsure whether it was assult or not. I was in school uniform too, so I obviously don't look above the legal age. I never reported it because it was just too awkward to talk about. 

I'm just wondering whether it was sexual assult. Also, if I happened to have reported it, what kind of trouble could he have gotten into?

? · Accepted Answer

Nope, to be an assault he would have to have touched you.

? · Answer

Since there was no physical contact it wouldn't be assault. He'd probably have gotten arrested for indecent behaviour if you'd reported it. In the UK that would probably mean a few months in jail at least, a lot more if he already had a criminal record of doing it before.

You really should have reported it to the cops. Sure, he just jerked off and there was no physical harm done, but the next young person he meets alone on a bus might not be so lucky.

Phil · Answer

This depends completely on the jurisdiction. However, a general rule I follow is: if it seems like it is wrong/should be illegal, then it probably is. either way, you should report it to the authorities. In the UK there are a number of laws that deal with sexual assault and indecent exposure (e.g. Sexual Offences Act 2003). 

Don't be afraid or embarrassed to report something like this. By reporting it to the polcie, you could save someone's life.

Anonymous · Answer

Sorry to hear about this.  It can still be a very disturbing experience whether there is any physical contact of not.

In Australia this would be considered a sexual offence and would likely be classified as "Gross Indecency".  If you had reported it, he could have potentially been charged with "Gross Indecency" if they had been able to find him and 'prove' he was guilty.
This info sheet has a bit of information about the different legal definitions http://www.secasa.com.au/assets/Documents/legal-definitions-of-rape-and-indecent-assault.pdf

If you find this on your mind a bit and feel it might be helpful to speak to a counsellor about it, you can speak to a sexual assault counsellor at one of the following services around Australia 
http://www.aifs.gov.au/acssa/crisis.html

You can also call the national hotline on 1800 737 732 or talk online at http://www.1800respect.org.au/

Take care

? · Answer

There was no sexual contact, so it would not be an assault. However, he could have been prosecuted and since he was exposing himself to a minor, he likely would be on a sex offender registry.

D · Answer

In a assault there normally has to be some sort of physical contact. In this case he would probably be guilty of indecent behaviour/exposure.

Michael T · Answer

probably not sexual assault in any jurisdiction

but  definitely public indecency  contributing to the delinquency of a minor or  other violations

Daniel · Answer

No it's not sexual assault. If he were to touch you then yes it would have been. But if you were to tell someone he probably would have been convicted of public nudity

Anonymous · Answer

As he didnt actually touch you, it is not assault. 
He could be charged with a lewd act in a public place. I doubt much would have happened, it depends if the man has been in trouble before.

? · Answer

No, you were not touched.  However he would have been arrested for deviant sexual behavior.

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Is this considered sexual assault?

11 Answers