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Sexual assault: Legal definition
According to the Texas Penal Code, Chapter 22, a person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly:
- Causes the penetration of the anus or sexual organ of another person by any means, without that persons consent
- Causes the penetration of the mouth of another person by the sexual organ of the actor, without that person’s consent
- Causes the sexual organ of another person, without that person’s consent, to contact or penetrate the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of another person, including the actor.
- It is also considered rape, if the victim is intoxicated or unconscious and unable to give consent.
No Report Forensic Exams
- Health and Safety Code to allow adult sexual assault victims to obtain a medical forensic exam without making a police report.
- Evidence collected without an accompanying police report will be packaged and sent to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and stored for a minimum of two years.
- DPS will pay for the exam and seek reimbursement through the OAG’s (Office of Attorney General’s Office) Crime Victims’ Compensation program.
**Passage Effective as of June 19, 2009**
