Child Sexual Abuse

Important Tip: It makes no difference whether a child is fondled on top of her clothing or under the clothing, except when the child’s vagina is touched. If it is touched through clothing, the act is considered Sexual Conduct. If the offender puts his hand inside her clothing and touches the bare vagina, it is considered Sexual Penetration. Note also that the Statute is very specific regarding the age of the victim and the parts of the body that are fondled.

Sexual Penetration (720 ILCS 5/12-12(f)) is defined as, “…any contact, however slight, between the sex organ or anus of one person by an object, the sex organ, mouth or anus of another person, or any intrusion, however slight, of any part of the body of one person or of any animal or object into the sex organ or anus of another person, including but not limited to cunnilingus, fellatio or anal penetration. Evidence of emission of semen is not required to prove sexual penetration.”
Important Tip: Note the key language used in this definition, including “any contact, however slight” and “any intrusion, however slight.” Unlike sexual conduct, sexual gratification or arousal DO NOT have to be proven for a Sexual Penetration charge.