BRITISH singer FKA Twigs recently publicized she was suing ex-boyfriend Shia LaBeouf for alleged "relentless abuse".
The singer alleges that in the course of her relationship with the actor, she suffered through sexual battery, assault and infliction of emotional distress. LaBeouf denied the allegations in response to the lawsuit.
What does 'sexual battery' mean?
The definition of “sexual battery” varies depending on the state.
Typically, it refers to non-consensual or coerced sexual contact that does not result in penetration.
The term can “involve fondling of the breasts, touching of the buttocks or genital area, forced kissing or forcing someone to touch the perpetrator sexually against their will," according to Elizabeth L. Jeglic, PhD, a clinical psychologist, sexual violence prevention researcher, and professor of psychology at John Jay College in New York City.
Many use the term “rape” and “sexual battery” interchangeably, but the major difference between the two is penetration.
Additionally, rape is considered a felony crime which can land the perpetrator in prison, whereas sexual battery can be a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances.
Sexual battery can be considered a felony if it involves: unwanted nude skin to skin contact, sexual contact with a child, or sexual contact with a restrained or unconscious victim.
Does it vary depending on which state you live in?
Every state determines their own definition of sexual battery.
In the case of Twigs and LaBeouf, she filed the lawsuit in California which defines sexual battery as intimate touching against one's will for the purpose of sexual arousal gratification, or sexual abuse according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN).
It is also considered a felony punishable by up to four years in prison, along with a fine.
In the lawsuit, Twigs did not go into detail about the sexual battery but accused LaBeouf of choking her and “knowingly giving her an STD.”
In California, knowingly giving someone an STD is considered a misdemeanor.
In response to Twigs’ allegations, LaBeouf told the New York Times he did not dismiss her feelings but denied the accusations.
The actor said: “I’m not in any position to tell anyone how my behavior made them feel. I have no excuses for my alcoholism or aggression, only rationalizations.
“I have been abusive to myself and everyone around me for years. I have a history of hurting the people closest to me. I’m ashamed of that history and am sorry to those I hurt. There is nothing else I can really say.”
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In a separate email, LaBeouf added that “many of these allegations are not true.”
And continued to say he owed the women “the opportunity to air their statements publicly and accept accountability for those things I have done.”
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) at 800-656-HOPE (4673).
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