A sexual assault occurs when one individual uses any part of their body to touch another person’s body inappropriately. It is also a sexual offence for one person to force another to touch their body inappropriately. Sexual offences can impact anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, and social status.

Types of Sexual Offences

Although sexual offences generally involve inappropriate touching, several crimes come under the umbrella of sexual offence. Let’s look at the most common types.

Rape

Rape takes place when a person has sex with another person without their consent. It is the most severe sexual offence that can be committed. In the UK, it is no surprise that rape carries the maximum sentence, similar to murder. Since rape occurs without consent, all the blame lies on the offender or offenders involved in the heinous act.

According to the law, rape can also occur when two people are married or in a committed relationship. In some cases where a person consents to a specific type of sexual activity and is forced to do another, this situation also comes under the category of rape.

Child Sexual Abuse

Causing a child to participate in any sexual activity is a sexual offence. Whether the perpetrator forces, persuades, or entices a child to any sexual activity, it comes under child sexual abuse. The activities can involve rape or other acts such as inappropriate touching, kissing, rubbing, etc.

Child sexual abuse also involves exposing children to sexual images or forcing them to watch any sexual activity.

Disclosing Sexual Images Without Consent

Disclosing sexually inappropriate images of anyone without their consent is also a sexual offence. This crime is also known as revenge pornography. For instance, an ex might upload indecent pictures of their previous partner without their consent in an attempt to take revenge or cause them humiliation or embarrassment.

Sex Offenders Register

According to the Sexual Offenders Act, anyone who receives a warning or is convicted of a sexual offence must be listed on the Sex Offenders Register. The SOR requires information regarding the offenders, such as full name, addresses, date of birth, and other personal data.

Any offenders listed on the SOR must report to their local police within three days of conviction. Failing to register with the police is a criminal offence punishable by law.

People listed on the SOR must also notify the police if they travel abroad or stay with anyone below 18 for more than twelve hours. The police might also ask for bank accounts and details of all credit cards.

People listed on SOR will have to visit a police station repeatedly and sign a document that states they are still abiding by the SOR rules and regulations. Convicts with no permanent address may have to visit the police station once every week.

Final Thoughts

Sexual offences can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, race, or religion. From unconsented touching to sexual assault and rape, all sexual offences are considered serious crimes in the UK.

Anyone convicted of a sexual offence must be listed on the Sexual Offenders Register. The SOR keeps all data regarding convicts and requires them to sign the register at frequent intervals. Not getting listed on the SOR is a punishable offence.