Which term describes acts of violence with the purpose of exercising power over the victim and may hinder cooperation due to trauma?

• A. Battery
• B. Sexual Harassment
• C. Rape
• D. Sexual Assaults

Answer: (C)

Acts of violent sexual aggression carried out to dominate and control another person are described as rape. This term emphasizes not just the harm, but the intentional use of force or coercion to exercise power over the victim. That power dynamic is also what often leads to trauma that can hinder cooperation with authorities, as fear, shock, and mistrust impact a victim’s ability to engage in the process. The other options don’t capture that specific combination of violent sexual conduct and a motive of control: battery is physical harm without the sexual element, sexual harassment involves unwanted sexual behavior or comments rather than violent acts to exert power, and sexual assault is a broader category that may include rape but doesn’t pinpoint the same power-and-force dynamic.