Under Article 120, which act is an example of high force?

• A. Sexual assault (penetration)
• B. Abusive sexual contact (touching)
• C. Non-consensual kissing
• D. Rape

Answer: (D)

High force means using substantial coercion—physical force or a threat strong enough to overcome the victim’s will in order to obtain sexual intercourse. Rape fits this description precisely because it involves intercourse that is secured through force or by overpowering the victim’s consent. The other actions do not necessarily involve intercourse or the same level of coercion: non-consensual kissing is a lesser act of unwanted contact, abusive sexual contact involves touching without intercourse, and while sexual assault can involve force, the act described as rape is the one that clearly demonstrates the high level of coercion intended by Article 120.