Sexual Offences Listed in the Canadian Criminal Code

In Part V of the Canadian Criminal Code, which is federal law and applies to all provinces and territories, a long list of sexual offences is outlined. The offence we hear about most often is sexual assault, but there are plenty of others. In today’s blog, we’re going to list for you some—but not all—of the sexual offences one can be charged with.

Sexual Assault

In Canada, sexual assault is divided into three types: sexual assault (Level 1), sexual assault (Level 2), and aggravated sexual assault (Level 3).

For Level 1 sexual assault, it is easier to define what it is not rather that what it is. It has a fairly general definition of an assault of a sexual nature that violates the sexual integrity of the victim. However, it does not involve a physical weapon, and the victim does not sustain substantial physical injuries.

Level 2 sexual assault includes the first definition above, but also includes the use of or threat of use of a weapon, other threats, and/or causes injuries to the victim.

Level 3 sexual assault includes the above definitions and also causes serious injuries to the victim that may be disfiguring, maiming, or even life-threatening.

Other Sex Offences

Sexual Interference. This is a serious offence that involves a child, or anyone under the age of 16. So, any contact with a sexual purpose with your body or an object and with a child can be construed as sexual interference.

Incest: In Canada it is illegal to knowingly have any sexual contact with a close family relative like a child, grandchild, parent, grandparent, or sibling. Unfortunately, sexual abuse of a child often falls under this category.

Voyeurism: Wherever someone has the expectation of privacy, like in a motel room or bedroom or bathroom, it is illegal to secretly film, tape, photograph, or even watch live. This is a sexual offence.

Bestiality: Yes, bestiality is a crime. Bestiality or even compelling someone else to commit bestiality or committing bestiality in the presence of a child are all indictable offences.

We would like to remind our reading audience that just because you are charged with a sexual offence does not preclude being charged with other non-sexual offences at the same time, such as weapons charges, for example. In other words, one charge can be part of or lead to several other charges.

If you are charged with a sexual offence, please contact Gagan Nahal for a free consultation in Vancouver at (604) 527-4769. Mr. Nahal’s law practice focuses on criminal defence law, and he has extensive experience in these areas of the law. And we recommend to all of those individuals charged with a crime to exercise your right to silence and make no statements to police without first consulting your lawyer. Remember, being convicted of a sex crime can have lifelong ramifications for the offender. Make an effort to hire a lawyer as soon as possible after being charged. 

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.