Female police officer, 32, charged with two counts of sexual assault as she faces court

The legal definition of sexual assault in England and Wales is when someone intentionally touches another person in a sexual manner, without that person’s consent.

The Sexual Offences Act 2003 says that someone commits sexual assault if all of the following happens:

• They intentionally touch another person.
• The touching is sexual.
• The other person does not consent to the touching.
• They do not reasonably believe that the other person consents.
• The touching can be with any part of the body or with anything else.

It could include:

• It could include:
• Kissing.
• Touching someone’s genitals, breasts or bottom – including through clothing.
• Touching any other part of the body for sexual pleasure or in a sexual manner – for example, stroking someone’s thigh or rubbing their back.
• Pressing up against another person for sexual pleasure or in a sexual manner.
• The perpetrator making someone else touch them in a sexual manner.
• Touching someone’s clothing if done for sexual pleasure or in a sexual manner – for example, lifting up someone’s skirt.

However, please know that this is not a full list. Find out more on the Rape Crisis website.