Portions of the Iowa Code 2003 that pertain to sexual abuse (Iowa’s term for sexual assault or rape) appear below. Please refer to the Iowa State University Student Information Handbook for more information about university policies regarding sexual assault and sexual harassment.

709.1 Sexual abuse defined.
Any sex act between persons is sexual abuse by either of the persons when the act is performed with the other person in any of the following circumstances:

1. The act is done by force or against the will of the other. If the consent or acquiescence of the other is procured by threats of violence toward any person or if the act is done while the other is under the influence of a drug inducing sleep or is otherwise in a state of unconsciousness, the act is done against the will of the other.
2. Such other person is suffering from a mental defect or incapacity which precludes giving consent, or lacks the mental capacity to know the right and wrong of conduct in sexual matters.
3. Such other person is a child.

702.17 Sex act.
The term "sex act" or "sexual activity" means any sexual contact between two or more persons by: penetration of the penis into the vagina or anus; contact between the mouth and genitalia or by contact between the genitalia of one person and the genitalia or anus of another person; contact between the finger or hand of one person and the genitalia or anus of another person, except in the course of examination or treatment by a person licensed pursuant to chapter 148,
148C, 150, 150A, 151, or 152; or by use of artificial sexual organs or substitutes therefore in contact with the genitalia or anus.

709.1A Incapacitation.As used in this chapter, "incapacitated" means a person is disabled or deprived of ability, as follows:

1. "Mentally incapacitated" means that a person is temporarily incapable of apprising or controlling the person's own conduct due to the influence of a narcotic, anesthetic, or intoxicating substance.
2. "Physically helpless" means that a person is unable to communicate an unwillingness to act because the person is unconscious, asleep, or is otherwise physically limited.
3. "Physically incapacitated" means that a person has a bodily impairment or handicap that substantially limits the person's ability to resist or flee.