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Sex and the law

• The age you can legally agree to have sex in the UK is 16. Anyone having sex with someone under the age of 16 is likely to face prosecution.

• The age of consent is 16 whether you are male or female, gay or straight.

• The law is there to protect under 16s from sexual abuse but if you are both 15 (for example) and you are having sex with each other, you are not likely to be prosecuted. However, if the police are informed about it, you could be referred for support from other services such as social work.

• There are special laws to protect children under the age of 13. At this age you cannot legally agree to have sex. Anyone who has sex with someone under the age of 13 is likely to be prosecuted for rape and other serious offences.

• If someone has sex with you without your consent, or if you are not in a state to decide whether you want to have sex, this is rape.

• If you are raped or sexually assaulted you should call the police. You can also get help from Brook or Rape Crisis.

• You can get married or have a civil partnership at the age of 16 but you need permission from your parents. If you do not have their permission you will have to wait until you are 18.

• The law on sex is slightly different in Scotland and Northern Ireland.  Click here for full details. 

If you have a question or you are unsure about anything then ask a Talksafe Counsellor or Peer Mentor.

Links

Age of Consent

Brook: Harmful situations

fpa: The law on sex factsheet

Last review: 06/06/11 - Next review: 06/06/13