Sexual Assault

What Does the Law Say About Sexual Offences

Sexual Assault

Canberra Rape Crisis Centre

Sexual Assault is a crime in all jurisdictions throughout Australia.

People who engage sexually with another person must have consent from the other person otherwise they can be charged with committing a sexual offence. Consent must be provided for the range of sexual acts, including sexual intercourse which the ACT Crimes Act defines as:

  • The penetration, to any extent, of the genitalia or anus of a person by any part of the body of another person.
  • The penetration, to any extent, of the genitalia or anus of a person by an object, being penetration carried out by another person.
  • The introduction of any part of the penis of a person into the mouth of another person.
  • Fellatio (stimulation of the penis using the tongue or lips)
  • Cunnilingus (stimulation of the female genitals using the tongue or lips)


(See Crimes Act 1900 , Part 3 Sexual Offences, Section 50, R83-Effective 24/4/2013, pp 39-40)


       Consent must be given for any of the above sexual acts as well as any kind of sexual touching.

 

If sexual intercourse takes place without consent , the perpetrator can be charged with an act of Sexual Assault. If they touch a person without consent they can be charged with an Act of Indecency. See the page Consent for more information.