Sexual assault in the first degree occurs when a person compels another person to engage in sexual intercourse by the use of force or the threat of force, or when the victim is physically helpless, mentally defective, or under 13 years old.

Our team members are trained to support clients who have experienced any of those examples of trauma, as well as others not listed, including domestic violence. Specifically, every member of our team is a Certified Sexual Violence Crisis Counselor and Advocate in the State of Connecticut and is specially trained to support victims and survivors of sexual violence.

Connecticut law prohibits sexual activity with minors under specific circumstances:

• • Sexual intercourse with a person under 16 (with some close-in-age exceptions)
• • Sexual contact with a person under 15 by someone more than 3 years older
• • Sexual activity between a minor and a person in a position of authority (teacher, coach, guardian)

Penalties vary based on the age difference and nature of the relationship.

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

• • Submission is made a condition of employment or education
• • It creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment
• • It interferes with work or educational performance

Protected under Title IX (education) and Title VII (employment) at the federal level, and Connecticut state law

Stalking occurs when a person knowingly engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of others, or suffer emotional distress.

This can include following, surveilling, communicating with (including online), or appearing at a person’s home or workplace.

Stalking is a Class A misdemeanor for first offense, with increased penalties for repeat offenses.

Connecticut law prohibits the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. It is illegal to knowingly disseminate an intimate image of another person without consent when:

• • The person in the image has a reasonable expectation of privacy
• • The dissemination causes harm to that person
• • The person sharing knew or should have known the image was shared without consent

This is a Class A misdemeanor, or a Class D felony for subsequent offenses.

Connecticut defines child sexual abuse broadly to include any sexual contact or conduct with a child, including:

• • Any sexual activity with a child under 13
• • Sexual contact with a child by a caretaker, family member, or person in authority
• • Exploitation through pornography or prostitution
• • Grooming behaviors intended to establish a relationship for sexual purposes

Connecticut law provides strong protections for children, with severe penalties for offenders.