Gross sexual imposition (GSI) is a serious sex crime involving nonconsensual sexual contact, which is defined as touching an erogenous zone such as the genitals, buttocks, thighs, pubic area, or female breasts for sexual arousal or gratification. It differs from rape in that it does not involve intercourse or oral sex but rather unwanted sexual touching
. In Ohio, gross sexual imposition occurs when a person:
- Engages in sexual contact with another person who is not their spouse against that person's will;
- Causes another person who is not their spouse to engage in sexual contact against their will; or
- Causes two or more other persons to have sexual contact against their will
The crime is aggravated under certain conditions, including:
- Using physical force or threats to compel submission;
- Administering drugs, intoxicants, or controlled substances by force or deception to impair the victim's judgment or ability to resist;
- Knowing the victim is impaired due to drugs or alcohol given as part of medical or dental treatment;
- The victim being under 13 years old;
- The victim being substantially impaired or unable to resist due to a physical or mental condition or advanced age
Penalties for gross sexual imposition vary depending on circumstances such as the victim's age and the use of force, ranging from a fourth-degree felony to a first-degree felony with prison terms from 6 months up to life imprisonment in the most severe cases involving children under 13 and familial relationships
. In summary, gross sexual imposition is nonconsensual sexual touching involving force, coercion, or victim impairment, especially when the victim is a minor or incapacitated, making it a serious felony offense under Ohio law
