What is a sexual offence?

The SOA 2003 (Sexual Offences Act) contains over 50 sexual offences. This section focuses on and explains the following offences:

Rape
Assault by penetration
Sexual assault
Causing someone to engage in sexual activity without consent

For further information about other sexual offences see the Home Office website and the Crown Prosecution Service's legal guidance on rape and sexual offences.

Before we explain the four offences, it is important to understand two concepts that apply to each:

Sexual behavior
Consent

Back What behaviour is sexual?

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