Question
- What is the law in the UK regarding consent?
Answer
- Any sort of non-consensual sexual contact is illegal.
- The legal age of consent in the UK is 16.
- There are special laws to protect someone under 13.
- Any sexual activity with someone under 13 is illegal and is viewed as rape or sexual assault.
- It’s also illegal for an adult in a position of trust like a coach or teacher to have sex with a person under 18.
- There is no legal defence in saying they ‘thought the person was older.’
Remember:
- Many young people wait until they are older than 16 to have sex. The important thing is to feel ready.
- People of all ages can enjoy intimate and romantic relationships without sex.