Sexual assault is criminal conduct that falls well short of the standards America expects of its men and women in uniform and is a violation of our Air Force Core Values.
Sexual Assault is unwanted sexual contact characterized by use of force, physical threat, abuse of power, or when the victim does not or cannot consent. Examples: inappropriate touching, groping, or fondling for sexual gratification, as well as penetration, oral stimulation, sodomy, or any attempt to do these things.
Sexual Harassment is unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when (1) submission to such conduct is explicitly or implicitly made a term or condition of employment, (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting the victim, (3) such conduct has the purpose of effect of interfering with work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.
Consent can be obtained verbally or through body language or gestures as long as they are unambiguous and ongoing. It is everyone's responsibility to be 100% certain that they have consent. A person cannot consent if they are incapacitated, for example by alcohol, drugs, or sleep deprivation. The lack of physical resistance or a verbal "no" does not constitute consent.