Sex Offences

They can result in penalties of up to 20 years of imprisonment and/or being fined up to $36,000.

Indecent assault

Indecent assault is unwanted touching or a threat to touch someone else’s body in a sexual manner without consent. For example, it can include kissing or inappropriately touching someone’s breasts, buttocks or genitals.

Penalties include being imprisoned for up to 7 years. A perpetrator can also be given an automatic penalty (without a trial) of up to a $36,000 fine and 7 years’ jail.

Sexual assault

Sexual assault occurs when a person is forced, pressured or tricked into sexual acts against their will or without their consent; gives consent as a result of intimidation or fraud; or is unable to give consent due to youth, mental incapacity or family connection.

Offenders can be jailed for up to 20 years.

Child pornography

Material, including pictures, film and data, that describes, portrays or represents a child (or person who appears to be a child) in a sexual context or engaging in sexual activity, which would likely offend a reasonable person.

Child sex offences

Child sex offences include sexually assaulting a child (defined as someone under 16 years of age); encouraging or inciting a child to engage in sexual behaviour; and indecently dealing with or recording images of a child.

Offenders can be imprisoned for up to 20 years depending on the severity of the crime.

Prostitution

The business or practice of engaging in sexual activities in exchange for money or other benefits.

The penalty for prostitution is imprisonment for up to 3 years and a fine of $12,000.

Wilful exposure

The exposure of one’s body, especially the genitals or a woman’s breasts, in a public place and in a way considered offensive to established standards of decency.