Often, sexual assault occurs in elementary schools and is alarmingly common in middle schools and high schools. It usually happens between people in authority (such as teachers and school officials) and students. Since teachers and school officials are in a position of power in regard to their students it creates a very fertile ground for sexual assault. Since teachers are authority figures who have a great deal of influence over the lives of their students, students feel pressured to obey their commands out of fear of negative consequences.