Model Sexual Assault Code

Forcible Compulsion

Forcible compulsion includes the use or threatened use of physical force, either express or implied. Physical resistance on the part of a person against whom forcible compulsion is used is not necessary to meet this definition.

Forcible compulsion also includes the use of psychological coercion, either express or implied.

Physical Force

Physical force includes but is not limited to:

  1. the use or threatened use of violence, including death, serious bodily injury, bodily injury, or pain against any person; or  
  2. the use or threatened physical confinement or restriction of a person’s movements; or 
  3. the use of physical size and/or strength over a person to intimidate or physically manipulate another person. 

Psychological Coercion

Psychological coercion includes, but is not limited to:     

  1. causing or threatening psychological, financial, or reputational harm that is sufficiently serious under the circumstances to overwhelm a person’s ability to freely and voluntarily agree to engage in the sexual contact or penetration at issue;
  2. the use or threatened use of violence, including death, serious bodily injury, bodily injury, or pain against an animal; or
  3. the use or threatened commission of any statutory offense against a person; or
  4. the threat to take or withhold action as a public servant or to cause a public servant to take or withhold action.