Definition (English):—
Definition (Spanish):—
Comments:This is a frequently-used expression which, at least at Cleveland EOIR, we have observed Central American speakers use when they wish to describe what we would describe as a rape, or an attempted rape (see Sex Crimes reference for more on this topic). The dilemma is that, when a speaker simply says, 'El abusó de mí', how far do we go? Do we say simply 'He raped me', or do we use the arguably equivalent 'He took advantage of me', and leave it up to the attorneys to clarify? There is danger in both overstating and in understating. It is clear to us that what is meant is that a sexual act was committed, and likely, one that involved penetration and force (again, see the Sex Crimes reference for why this is particularly pertinent). Based on our experience with the expression and the stories that it is used to tell, as well as the technical definition of 'sexual assault', we recommend 'assault' for this expression: it communicates the force inherent in the expression, while still leaving it vague enough that it should provoke the necessary follow-up questions from counsel.