Assault is the act of attempting or threatening to cause bodily harm to another person, posing immediate danger of injury to that person. According to United States law, assault has two grounds for complaint, and legally two victims – the public, which allows for criminal prosecution, and the victim of the actual assault, which allows for civil complaint. In either case, it is necessary that the victim prove the assault in order to gain prosecution or damages. To do this, the victim must be able to prove that the presence of a threat, that the harm was immediate, and that fear was caused. If this is proved to the necessary level, assault victims can be able to have the offender prosecuted, as well as recover damages for medical expenses and/or suffering.