Sexual Offences
Sexual offences refer to those offences under the Criminal Code of Canada that have a sexual element to them.
Sexual offences can be charged in cases where the complainant is an adult and/or where the complainant is a child. Some of the below charges, sexual exploitation, for example, can only be charged where the complainant is a child.
Sexual offences include:
- Sexual Assault – s. 271 of the Criminal Code
- Sexual Assault with a Weapon – s. 272(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
- Aggravated Sexual Assault – s. 273 of the Criminal Code
- Sexual Assault Causing Bodily Harm – s. 272(1)(c) of the Criminal Code
- Sexual Exploitation – s. 153 of the Criminal Code
- Sexual Interference – s. 151 of the Criminal Code
- Invitation to Sexual Touching – s. 152 of the Criminal Code
- Incest – s. 155 of the Criminal Code
- Exposure of Genital Organs to Person Under 16 – s. 173(2) of the Criminal Code
Definitions of
Sexual Offences
Sexual offences can be complicated to understand because the Criminal Code has its own definitions for who is a child, i.e., age requirements, and depending on the age of the complainant, whether the Accused person has committed an offence, depending on his or her age as well. There are also definitions of what an assault at law is, and what a sexual assault at law is. The law also defines what are and are not legitimate defences to sexual offences, and how the Accused person can challenge the evidence the Crown may want to present to prove its case.
Sexual offences are considered particularly sensitive because they involve allegations that a person’s sexual dignity has been infringed. If convicted, these offences often attract high jail sentences.
If you, or someone you know, has been charged with a sexual offence, make sure you reach out to us for a free consultation. Early legal advice is key in these situations. You do not want to face the police or the legal system without representation.