Is Incest Considered Sexual Assault?

In British Columbia, incest is considered a crime, and those who commit this crime are guilty of an indictable offense with a recommended maximum prison term of 14 years.

However, incest is a taboo subject, and these cases can be complicated. Cases in which one or both members committing incest are under 16 or much younger than that may be treated somewhat differently.

Incest has a significant social stigma. It is one of those crimes that if found guilty, a person can have significant and long-term personal and professional damage. There is, in fact, a movement in Canada to decriminalize incest when both parties are consenting adults. Incest is one of those crimes that is estimated to be vastly underreported.

In the meantime, if you are charged with the crime of incest, then take it very seriously. Engage a criminal lawyer without delay, who is experienced with sex crimes and with whom you will have a rapport, and to whom you will open up and be completely truthful. Do not give any statements to police before speaking to your lawyer. You have this right.

If you are a victim of incest, then call 9-1-1.

If you have been charged with a crime like this, your best bet is to hire an experienced criminal lawyer to defend your interests. Gagan Nahal in Vancouver focuses exclusively in the area of criminal law. You can reach him at (604) 527-4769 and he offers a free initial consultation.

Gagan Nahal is a criminal defence lawyer based in Surrey, British Columbia, although he has represented clients across Canada. He works vigorously and tirelessly defending his clients.

If you have any questions about this article or you would like to talk to Mr. Nahal, please call him directly at (604) 527-4769.