Assault is the act of inflicting physical harm or unwanted physical contact upon an individual or threatening with apparent, present ability to cause the injury. It may include unwanted sexual attention, rape, coercion, or harassment.
Florida Statutes require those who observe sexual battery to report it if they have the ability to seek assistance for the victim without endangering themselves.
Adult victims are encouraged to report assault but are not required by law to report, especially if they fear trauma or harm as a result. Reporting a sexual crime does not commit the victim to filing charges, and they can decide that later. However, since time is critical to the investigation, victims should report crimes as soon as possible.
