### Question
How does the law define sexually violent offense?


### Answer
Under *42 U.S.C. § 14071*, **sexually violent offense** is defined as:

> any criminal offense in a range of offenses specified by State law which is comparable to or which exceeds the range of offenses encompassed by aggravated sexual abuse or sexual abuse (as described in sections 2241 and 2242 of title 18 or as described in the State criminal code) or an offense that has as its elements engaging in physical contact with another person with intent to commit aggravated sexual abuse or sexual abuse (as described in such sections of title 18 or as described in the State criminal code)

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 14071*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 136-VIOLENT CRIME CONTROL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT > SUBCHAPTER VI-CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN**

