The following elements should be established as the core elements of any sexual assault law. Each element is discussed in detail starting with Definition of sexual assault, below:

• A definition of sexual assault which is not framed as a crime of honor or morality;
• A definition of sexual assault that does not require penetration or force;
• Prohibition of mitigating factors such as intoxication of perpetrator;
• Provision for enhanced penalties for aggravating circumstances such as the threat or use of force, or the age or disability of survivor;
• Criminalization of sexual assault within an intimate relationship;
• Burden on accused to prove consent;
• Provision for a broad range of circumstances in which consent is immaterial, such as sexual assault by an individual in a position of authority such as in a correctional facility or by individuals in certain professional relationships to the survivor such as an ongoing psychotherapist-patient relationship;
• Provision for a broad range of coercive circumstances around consent such as intimidation or fraud;
• Prohibition of requirement of corroboration of survivor’s evidence;
• Prohibition of introduction of survivor’s sexual history as evidence at all phases of civil or criminal trial where it is unrelated to the case;
• Prohibition on use of mediation at all stage of the process;
• Prohibition of perpetrators from possessing firearms;
• Fully developed emergency and long-term order for protection remedies and no contact order remedies;
• Criminalization of violation of orders for protection and no contact orders;
• Provision for support services such as counseling and medical treatment to survivors at all stages of process; and
• Mandated training for law enforcement, judicial, medical, and social service professionals.