The Different Types of Assault: A Detailed Guide

If you’re trying to learn more about the different types of assault, then you’re in the right place. If you suspect you’ve been assaulted or are in immediate danger, stop reading and contact emergency services immediately. 

In the United States, there are more than 1.6 million nonfatal assault injuries that require emergency medical treatment every single year. With so many people affected, it’s important to know about the different kinds of assault.

For those looking for more information, check out our detailed guide all about the different types of assault.

Read on to learn more.

Aggravated Assault

One of the most common types of assault is aggravated assault. Aggravated assault is an attack or attempted attack with a weapon. It is still categorized as aggravated assault regardless of whether or not said victim is or is not injured.

An aggravated assault attack with injury occurs when any serious injury to the victim occurs such as:

• Broken bones
• Lost teeth
• Internal injuries
• Severe laceration
• Loss of consciousness
• Hospitalization for two or more days

An aggravated assault can still occur without the victim resulting in injury. If threatened or attacked by an offender who possesses an object used as a weapon, such as a knife or gun, you’ve been threatened with a weapon.

Other common aggravated assault incidents occurred with hands, fists, feet, firearms, and cutting instruments. Consider signs of an aggravating factor where the offender:

• Recidivism
• Lack of remorse
• Committing the crime in front of a juvenile

With an aggravated assault, the offender has the intention to inflict aggravated or severe bodily injury. In the United States, there were more than 810,000 aggravated assaults in 2017.

Aggravated assault can range from minor threats to nearly fatal occurrences. In all cases, you’re put in a situation with a reasonable apprehension of offensive contact.

For more information on criminal defense for assault and battery, check out this resource.

Simple Assault

Another one of the common different types of assault is simple assault. Simple assault occurs when the offender attacks without a weapon. A simple assault may result in undetermined injury, minor injury, or no injury at all.

Common simple assault injuries include:

• Black eyes
• Bruises
• Cuts
• Injuries resulting in less than two days of hospitalization

In instances of assault that result in personal injury, the offender may face prison time for up to ten years in addition to a fine.

Simple assault may also occur without injury, but this unlawful physical attack is no less severe. A simple assault case occurs if an offender attacks another person with intention and maliciousness.

If the victim is repeatedly stalked by the offender, they may be subject to simple assault.

You may be eligible for a protection order if you’re a victim to domestic or sexual violence and have reasonable evidence to believe you or your children are in danger by the offender.

Note, victims should keep the protection order with them at all times.

Sexual Assault

If you want to know what is considered assault, it’s important to be aware of sexual assault. Sexual assault is any non-consensual sexual act on a victim under Federal, State, or tribal law. This includes if the victim is unable to consent.

Consent is an unquestionable “yes” to sexual activity. You cannot give consent if you are forced, threatened, or manipulated into doing so. You cannot give consent if you are drunk, drugged, high, asleep, or unconscious. 

Remember consent is not a one-time thing. Past consent does not mean you agree to all current and future sexual activity. You have the right to stop or say no at any time.

Sexual assault may happen through cohesion, such as alcohol or drugs, or physical force. Sexual assault may include, but is not limited to being:

• Flashed
• Fondled
• Groped
• Sexual coercion
• Unwanted touching above or underneath clothes
• Forced to view sexual images
• Raped

Not that sexual assault can be non-contact, verbal, or visual-based. It includes sexual harassment or threats as well as voyeurism, exhibitionism, and unwanted sexual photos or messages.

Four out of every five women are raped by age twenty-five. If you suspect you have been sexually assaulted, call emergency services immediately. Feel free to always call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673).

This resource will put you in confidential contact with a trained staff member that will help you find a local health facility in your area. They can help you embark on your journey to healing and locate long-term support in your area.

Personal Robbery

In the event a theft or larceny occurs alongside an aggravated assault, it’s personal robbery. In the event of a personal robbery, you have been both threatened or victim to violence which directly resulted in the loss of personal property.

During a robbery, one in eight cases involved thefts of more than $250, and one in three results in actual injury.

Note, robbery is the unlawfully attempted stealing or actual stealing of property in immediate possession of the victim. Burglary is the unlawful entry of an area, such as a vehicle, residence, or business.

Different Types of Assault

Regardless of the types of assault, if you or someone you know has been affected by this, be sure to contact emergency services immediately. Additionally, seek our professional mental, emotional, and physical healthcare services.

Remember, you’re not alone.

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