Sexual offences against children and young people
Laws targeting sexual offences against children
Learn about laws making it a crime not to report sexual offending against children and, within institutions, not to protect a child from sexual abuse.
Failing to report sexual offences against children
If you believe a child is experiencing sexual abuse by another adult, you must report it unless you have a reasonable excuse. If you don’t have a reasonable excuse, not reporting the abuse is a crime.
Failing to protect children from sexual offences
It is a crime in institutional settings for certain people not to protect a child from a known risk of sexual offending.
Sexual activity with young people aged 16 to 17
It is against the law to engage in sexual activity with young people aged 16 to 17 if you are in a position of care, supervision or authority.