Sexual Offences

Although different criminal justice systems define sexual offending in different ways, broadly speaking it involves a sexual act committed by one person against another, either against their will (i.e. lack of consent) or when consent cannot legitimately be given (such as a child). In addition, sexual offences also encompass sexual behaviour ‘where the difference in power between the two parties is such that one is not in a position to make a truly free choice’.

Although sexual offences can be committed by both males and females - as can the victims - the vast majority of sexual offences are committed by male offenders, with the victims being predominantly adult females and children.

Although some sexual offences in Scotland are contained in statute, the majority (e.g. rape and sexual assault) are common law offences. These common law offences are limited only by the court in which they are heard, which means that cases heard in the High Court can attract up to life imprisonment. For more information on recent legislative developments in relation to sexual offences visit the Scottish Government website. 

For more information on sex offenders visit this page of the website.  

The Centre subscribes to the Journal of Sexual Aggression. These can be consulted, in person, by any member of the Centre. You can also access a free sample issue here.

The latest statistics for sexual offences (crimes of indecency) in Scotland are available here.

The Centre holds a small number of books about sexual offences, details of which can be found here.