Laws classified as sex crimes

Indiana laws on sexual assault and rape are classified under "sex crimes."

Rape is identified as when a person "knowingly or intentionally has sexual intercourse with a member of the opposite sex" when the victim is forced or threatened, is unaware that intercourse is occurring or is so mentally disabled that consent cannot be given.

Rape is a Class B felony. If the rapist is armed, uses or threatens deadly force or if the rape results in serious bodily injury to the victim, then it is a Class A felony.

Deviate conduct is defined as a person knowingly or intentionally causing "another person to perform or submit to deviate sexual conduct," again, when the victim is forced or threatened, unaware or disabled.

Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual activity forced by one person on another, and sexual battery is forced penetration by any object, except when it's performed for bona fide medical purposes.

Indiana also has a "rape shield law," which shields the victim from being asked about past sexual experiences.