Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) A Practice Exam

What defines an act of assault?

1. The act of making someone feel fear of bodily harm

2. Unlawful touching of another person

3. Restraining an individual against their will

4. Spreading false information

The correct answer is: The act of making someone feel fear of bodily harm

An act of assault is fundamentally defined by the creation of fear or apprehension of imminent bodily harm in another person. When an individual perceives a threat of physical violence, even if there is no actual physical contact, it constitutes an assault. This psychological element is crucial, as the intention behind the action can significantly affect how it is classified legally. For instance, verbal threats or gestures that imply harm can trigger this fear response, which satisfies the criteria for assault. In contrast, unlawful touching pertains more to battery, which involves physical contact rather than the threat of that contact. Restraining someone against their will may fall under false imprisonment, as it focuses on depriving an individual of their freedom rather than instilling fear of harm. Lastly, spreading false information relates to defamation, which involves damaging someone's reputation rather than causing fear of physical harm.