Kissing Someone Without Consent Is Assault, Regardless of Age

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Recently, a story surfaced about a 13-year-old boy who kissed a 14-year-old girl against her will during a dare. He is now facing assault charges. The reality is simple: forcing yourself on someone is assault, no matter your age.

The notion that women lack the right to their own bodies is so ingrained in society that we can hear about a teenager being coerced into a kiss and overlook the fact that she is a vital part of this story. The focus often shifts away from her experience and feelings about having her personal space invaded. Instead, the conversation often becomes about the boy and the potential consequences he faces, rather than acknowledging the violation the girl endured.

Media Response

Take a moment to consider the media response. For instance, does the image used by the Drudge Report in their coverage depict a couple of teenagers? Or how about the Counter Current News‘ choice to feature a seemingly lovestruck young person?

The Drudge Report commented, “Give this kid detention. Make him apologize to the girl. Tell his parents to teach him better manners. But charging him with assault? That would be a far greater crime than a stolen kiss.” What do “manners” have to do with this situation? And is a “stolen kiss” equivalent to unwanted groping? No—it’s still assault. Touching someone without their explicit permission is assault, regardless of how you frame it. Multiple news outlets have referred to this incident as “just a kiss,” but a kiss is meant to be consensual, not forced. This was not a kiss; it was an assault.

Addressing the Issue

To those online who dismiss this as mere “political correctness,” consider how you would comfort your daughter if she shared that someone forced themselves on her at school. Would your response be, “Don’t worry, sweetheart. It’s no big deal”?

We must educate young men that it is entirely unacceptable to impose themselves physically on young women. What message are we sending to girls with our collective response to this incident? It suggests that they don’t matter enough to defend, or even mention. There’s little information about the incident beyond the fact that charges were filed, but it’s clear that school administrators thought it necessary to involve law enforcement. Is anyone considering that? No, we’re too focused on how a misdemeanor assault charge might impact this young man’s future.

I know countless women who have stories of being violated as teenagers—from painful bra strap snaps to being forcibly submerged in water at a pool for refusing to kiss a boy. Yet, these experiences are often brushed off with the excuse of “boys will be boys.” We cannot continue to disregard personal autonomy and boundaries.

Teaching Respect

Teach your children that forcibly touching someone is assault, just as you would teach them that stealing is wrong. If this boy had committed theft or vandalism, there would be an outcry for consequences. The law protects young women’s rights to their personal space, and it’s crucial to instill respect for those boundaries in our children.

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In summary, kissing someone without their consent is an assault, irrespective of age. It is vital to recognize the seriousness of this behavior and to educate children on respecting boundaries and autonomy.