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ChildONEurope - Survey on Child Abuse
National legislation on rape and other form of sexual abuse.
Penalties and aggravating circumstances 1
Last up-date October 2005
1. Austria
Rape is a criminal offence in Austria, governed by Austrian Penal Code:
§ 201 - Rape
(I) Whoever coerces a person by serious force directed against this person or by the threat of
immediate danger for life and limb to perform or to endure sexual intercourse or a sexual act
equated to sexual intercourse shall be punished by imprisonment from one to ten years. Anaesthesia
has to be regarded as serious force.
§ 202 - Sexual coercion
(I) Whoever coerces a person except in the cases referred to in section § 201 by force or by
dangerous threat to perform or to endure a sexual act shall be punished by imprisonment up to
three years.
**
§ 206 - Serious sexual abuse of minors below age
(I) Whoever has sexual intercourse or performs a sexual act equated to sexual intercourse with a
minor shall be punished by imprisonment from one up to ten years.
(II) Similar punishment shall be imposed on anyone who tempts a minor into performing or
enduring sexual intercourse or a sexual act equated to sexual intercourse with another person or,
in order to sexually excite or satisfy himself or a third person, tempts a minor into performing a
sexual act on/with himself.
§ 207 - Sexual abuse of minors below age
(I) Whoever, apart from the case of § 206, performs a sexual act on/with a minor person or makes a
minor person performing a sexual act at him, shall be punished by imprisonment from six months
up to five years.
(II) Similar punishment shall be imposed on anyone who tempts a minor person into performing a
sexual act (I) with another person or, in order to sexually excite or satisfy himself or a third person,
tempts a minor person into performing a sexual act on/with himself.
§ 208 - Moral endangerment of persons under the age of sixteen years
Whoever performs an act which creates the possibility of endangering the moral, mental or health
development of a person under the age of sixteen years, in the presence of a minor person or
juvenile person who is under his education, training or supervision, in order to sexually excite or
satisfy himself or a third person, shall be punished by imprisonment of one year, unless the
endangerment of the minor or the person under the age of sixteen can be excluded under the
circumstances of the case.
§ 211 - Incest
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The legislation here mentioned for the purposes of these comparative analysis is the legislation into force in
the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,
Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, The
Netherlands and The United Kingdom.
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(I) Whoever performs sexual intercourse with a person who is a consanguine descendant, shall be
punished by imprisonment up to one year.
(II) Whoever seduces a person, who is a consanguine relative in the ascending line, into sexual
intercourse, shall be punished by imprisonment up to 3 years.
(III) Whoever performs sexual intercourse with his brother or his sister, shall be punished by
imprisonment up to six months.
§ 212 - Abuse of authority
(I) Whoever sexually abuses his minor child, adopted child, stepchild or ward and whoever sexually
abuses a minor person, who is under his education, training or supervision by taking advantage of
his position, or tempts to make him perform a sexual act on himself in order to sexually excite or
satisfy himself or a third person, shall be punished by imprisonment up to three years.
2. Belgium
L’article 375, alinéa 1er du Code Pénal Belge dispose que
Tout acte de pénétration sexuelle, de quelque nature qu’il soit et par quelque moyen que ce soit,
commis sur une personne qui n’y consent pas, constitue le crime de viol.
L’absence de consentement dans le chef de la victime est un élément constitutif fondamental du
crime de viol. Ainsi, l’alinéa 2nd de cet article précise que :
Il n’y a pas consentement notamment lorsque l’acte a été imposé par violence, contrainte ou ruse,
ou a été rendu possible en raison d’une infirmité ou d’une déficience physique ou mentale de la
victime.
La peine appliquée diffère en fonction de l’âge de la victime, notamment si elle est mineure de plus
de seize (16) ans, mineure de plus de quatorze (14) ans et de moins de seize (16) ans, mineure de
moins de quatorze (14) ans, ou encore, mineure de moins de dix (10) ans.
Article 375, alinéa 4 du Code Pénal Belge
Le viol est puni des travaux forcés de dix à quinze ans, si la victime est mineure, mais âgée de plus
de seize (16) ans accomplis.
Article 375, alinéa 5 du Code Pénal Belge
Le viol est puni des travaux forcés de quinze à vingt ans, si la victime a plus de quatorze (14) ans
accomplis et moins de seize (16) ans accomplis.
Article 375 , alinéa 6 du Code Pénal Belge
Si la victime a moins de quatorze (14) ans accomplis, le viol est réputé exister par le seul fait de
l’acte de pénétration sexuelle, de quelque nature qu’il soit et par quelque moyen que ce soit.
Ainsi, il faut que cet acte de pénétration soit perpétré, mais le consentement de la victime n’est pas
un élément d’appréciation de l’existence de l’infraction. La victime est présumée ne pas pouvoir
consentir valablement. Il n’est pas nécessaire que l’auteur de l’infraction ait employé par exemple la
violence ni aucun des autres moyens visés à l’article 375, alinéa 2.
Article 375, dernier alinéa du Code Pénal Belge
La peine est celle des travaux forcés à perpétuité si l’enfant est âgé de moins de dix (10) ans
accomplis.
Il nous faut remarquer l’existence de deux sortes de circonstances aggravantes : l’une est liée à
l’acte et à la victime, alors que l’autre est relative à l’auteur de l’infraction.
En ce qui concerne les circonstances aggravantes relatives à l’acte et à la victime :
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Article 376, alinéa 1er du Code Pénal Belge
Si le viol ou l’attentat à la pudeur a causé la mort de la personne sur laquelle il a été commis, le
coupable sera puni des travaux forcés à perpétuité, quelque soit l’âge de la victime.
Article 376, alinéa 2nd du Code Pénal Belge
Si le viol ou l’attentat à la pudeur a été précédé ou accompagné de tortures corporelles ou de
séquestration, le coupable sera puni des travaux forcés de quinze à vingt ans.
Article 376, alinéa 3 du Code Pénal Belge
Si le viol ou l’attentat à la pudeur a été commis soit sur une personne particulièrement vulnérable
en raison d’un état de grossesse, d’un maladie, d’une infirmité ou d’une déficience physique ou
mentale, soit sous la menace d’une arme ou d’un objet qui y ressemble, le coupable sera puni des
travaux forcés de dix à quinze ans.
Il existe également des circonstances aggravantes relatives à l’auteur de l’infraction. Ainsi, l’article
377 du Code Pénal dispose que :
Les peines du viol et de l’attentat à la pudeur sont majorées si le coupable :
* est l’ascendant de la victime
* est de ceux qui ont autorité sur la victime
* a abusé de l’autorité ou des facilités que lui confèrent ses fonctions
* est médecin, chirurgien, accoucheur ou officier de santé et que la victime fur confiée à ses soins
* a été aidé, dans le cas des articles 373, 375, et 376, dans l’exécution du crime et du délit, par une
ou plusieurs personnes.
Les peines sont majorées comme suit :
Article 377, alinéa 5 du Code Pénal Belge
Si la victime du viol est majeure, la peine de la réclusion est de sept ans au moins.
Article 377, alinéa 4 du Code Pénal Belge
Si la victime du viol ou de l’attentat à la pudeur est une personne particulièrement vulnérable en
raison d’un état de grossesse, d’une maladie, d’une infirmité ou d’une déficience physique ou
mentale, ou si elle a été menacée d’une arme ou d’un objet qui y ressemble, la peine des travaux
forcés est de douze ans au moins. Si la victime du viol est mineure, mais âgée de plus de seize (16)
ans accomplis, la peine des travaux forcés est de douze ans au moins. Il en est de même en ce qui
concerne l’attentat à la pudeur sur un mineur de moins de seize (16) ans.
Article 377, alinéa 6 du Code Pénal Belge
Si la victime du viol est mineure, mais âgée de plus de quatorze (14) ans accomplis et de moins de
seize (16) ans accomplis, la peine des travaux forcés est de dix-sept ans au moins. Si la victime du
viol est mineure, mais âgée de moins de quatorze (14) ans accomplis, la peine des travaux forcés
est de dix-sept (17) ans au moins. Si la victime du viol ou de l’attentat à la pudeur a subi des
tortures corporelles ou une séquestration, la peine des travaux forcés est de dix-sept ans au moins.
3. Cyprus
Section 144 of the Criminal Code CAP.154
Any person who has unlawful carnal knowledge of a female, without her consent, or with he
consent, if the consent is obtained by force or fear of bodily harm, or, in the case of a married
woman, by personating her husband, is guilty of the felony termed rape.
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Section 145 of the Criminal Code CAP. 154
Any person who commits the offence of rape is liable to imprisonment for life.
Section 146 of the Criminal Code CAP. 154
Any person who attempts to commit rape is guilty of felony, and is liable to imprisonment for ten
years.
**
‘Incest’, Section 147 of the Criminal Code CAP. 154
Any male person who has carnal knowledge of a female person, irrespective of whether with the
consent or not of such female person, who is to his knowledge his granddaughter, daughter, sister
or mother shall be guilty of the offence of incest and shall be liable to imprisonment for seven years.
‘Unnatural offences with a child under thirteen (13) ’, Section 174 of the Criminal Code CAP.
154
Any person who has, or attempts to have, with or without violence, carnal knowledge of a child
under thirteen (13) years of age against the order of nature is guilty of a felony and is liable to
imprisonment for fourteen years.
Indecent assault
a) Indecent assault on females.
Section 151 of the Criminal Code CAP. 154 :
Any person who unlawfully and indecently assaults any female is guilty of a misdemeanour.
b) Indecent assault on males.
Section 152 of the Criminal Code CAP. 154:
Any person who unlawfully and indecently assaults any male person is guilty of misdemeanour.
‘Defilement of girls under thirteen (13) years of age’, Section 153 of the Criminal Code CAP.
154
(1) Any person who unlawfully and carnally knows a female under the age of thirteen (13) years is
guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for life.
(2) Any person who attempts to have unlawful carnal knowledge of a female under the age of
thirteen (13) years is guilty of a misdemeanour and is liable to imprisonment for three years.
‘Defilement of girls between thirteen (13) and sixteen (16) years of age’, Section 154 of the
Criminal Code CAP. 154
Any person who unlawfully and carnally knows or attempts to have unlawful carnal knowledge of
any female person of, or above, the age of thirteen (13) years and under the age of sixteen (16)
years is guilty of a misdemeanour:
Provided that it shall be a sufficient defence to any charge under this section if it shall be made to
appear to the Court before which the charge shall be brought that the person so charged had
reasonable cause to believe that the female person was of, or above, the age of sixteen (16) years.
4. Czech Republic
Article 241 of the Criminal Code
(1) A person who by violence or by threat of imminent violence forces a woman to copulate or
abuses her helpless state and has sexual intercourse with her, shall be sentenced to imprisonment
for at least two and at most eight years.
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(2) A person shall be sentenced to imprisonment for at least five and at most twelve years if:
o
he inflicts serious injury by the offence mentioned in paragraph 1; or
o
he commits this offence against a woman under fifteen (15) years of age.
(3) A sentence to imprisonment for at least ten and at most fifteen years shall be imposed if the
offender causes a death by the offence mentioned in paragraph 1.
**
Article 242 of the Criminal Code
(1) A person who has sexual intercourse with a child under fifteen (15) years of age or who sexually
abuses such a person by other way shall be sentenced to imprisonment for at least one and at most
eight tears.
(2) If an offender commits the offence mentioned in paragraph 1 against the person who is under
his/her supervision and misuses his/her dependence, a sentence of imprisonment for at least two
and at most ten years shall be imposed.
(3) An offender shall be sentenced to imprisonment for at least five an at most twelve years if he
inflicts serious injury by the offence mentioned in paragraph 1.
(4) An offender shall be sentenced to imprisonment for at least ten and at most fifteen years if he
causes a death by the offence mentioned in paragraph 1.
Article 243 of the Criminal Code
The person who misuses the dependence of an other person under eighteen (18) years of age or who
misuses the person under his/her supervision and forces him/her to extramarital sexual intercourse
or who sexually abuses such a person by other way shall be sentenced to imprisonment for at most
two years.
‘Sexual intercourse between relatives’, Article 245 of the Criminal Code
If a person has sexual intercourse with relatives in proximate generation or with a sibling, a
sentence of imprisonment for at most two years shall be imposed.
5. Denmark
§ 216 of the Danish Penal Code
(1) Any person who enforces sexual intercourse by violence or under threat of violence, shall be
guilty of rape and liable to imprisonment for any term not exceeding eight (8) years. The placing of
a person in such a position that that person is unable to resist the act shall be equivalent to
violence.
(2) If the rape has been of a particularly dangerous nature, or in particularly aggravating
circumstances, the penalty may be increased to imprisonment for any term not exceeding twelve(12)
years.
**
§ 217 of the Danish Penal Code
Any person who by other unlawful compulsion (as described in section 260 of this Act) than
violence or threat of violence, procures for himself sexual intercourse, shall be liable to
imprisonment for any term not exceeding four years.
§ 218 of the Danish Penal Code
(1) Any person who, by exploitation of another person's mental illness or mental deficiency,
procures for himself extra-marital sexual intercourse with that person shall be liable to
imprisonment for any term not exceeding four years.
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(2) Any person who procures for himself extra-marital intercourse with a person who is in such a
position that he is unable to resist the act shall be liable to imprisonment for any term not
exceeding four years, unless the act is covered by the provisions of section 216 of this act.
§ 219 of the Danish Penal Code
Any person who is employed in or in charge of any prison, welfare home, children's or young
person's home, hospital for treatment of mental disorders, institution for the mentally deficient or
any similar institution, and who has sexual intercourse with any person who is an inmate of the
same institution shall be liable to imprisonment for any term not exceeding four years.
§ 220 of the Danish Penal Code
Any person who, by grave abuse of the subordinate position or economic dependence of another
person, has extramarital sexual intercourse with that person shall be liable to imprisonment for any
term not exceeding one year or, where the person is under twenty-one (21) years of age, to
imprisonment for any term not exceeding three years.
§ 222 of the Danish Penal Code
(1) Any person who has sexual intercourse with any child under the age of fifteen (15) shall be
liable to imprisonment for any term not exceeding eight (8) years.
(2) If the child is under the age of twelve (12), or if the perpetrator has enforced the sexual
intercourse by coercion or by intimidation, the penalty may be increased to imprisonment for any
term not exceeding twelve(12) years.
§ 223 of the Danish Penal Code
(1) Any person who has sexual intercourse with a person under the age of eighteen (18) who is his
adopted child, step-child or foster child, or who has been entrusted to him for instruction or
education, shall be liable to imprisonment for any term not exceeding four (4) years.
(2) The same penalty shall apply to any person who, by gravely abusing superior age or experience,
induces any person under the age of eighteen (18) to sexual intercourse.
§ 225 of the Danish Penal Code
The provisions in sections 216-220 and sections 222 - 223 shall similarly apply in connection with
sexual relations with a person of the same sex.
6. Estonia
Article 115, Item 1
(1) Sexual intercourse with an adult female without her consent using violence or using threats or
taking advantage of the victim’s helplessness - is liable to imprisonment from two (2) to five (5)
years.
Article 115, Item 2
(2) Rape:
1) by person who has previously committed rape; or
2) by group of persons;
3) raping a person who is younger than eighteen (18);
4) causing serious bodily injuries,
- is liable to imprisonment for three (3) to ten (10) years .
Article 115, Item 3
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(3) Rape 1) if serious consequences were caused; or
2) raping a child,
- is liable to imprisonment for eight (8) to fifteen (15) years.
**
‘Abnormal satisfaction of sexual passion’, Article 115
(1) Abnormal satisfaction of sexual passion using violence or threatening with violence or taking
advantage of victim’s helpless condition, if conditions provided in art. 118 of this code are not
present - is liable to imprisonment of up to five years.
(2) Same activities with persons who are known to be younger than sixteen (16) years- is liable to imprisonment of two (2) to six (6) years.
Article 116
Sexual intercourse with female persons who are known to be under fourteen (14) years old,
providing that conditions laid down under art. 115 are not present
- is liable to arrest or imprisonment for up to four (4) years.
Article 117
Abnormal sexual activities with persons who are known to be younger than sixteen (16) years - is liable to arrest or imprisonment for up to four (4) years.
Article 118 Item 1
Act of pederasty by using force or by intimidation of use of force or by taking advantage of the
helplessness of the victim
- is liable to imprisonment for two (2) to five (5) years.
Article 118 Item 2
Act of pederasty against a person who is known to be under sixteen (16) years old
- is liable to imprisonment for two (2) to ten (10) years.
7. Finland
Chapter 20 of the Finnish Penal Code
Section 1 - Rape
A person who coerces another into sexual intercourse by the use or threat of violence shall be
sentenced for rape to imprisonment for at least one year and at most six years.
A person shall also be sentenced for rape if he/she takes advantage of the incapacity of another to
defend himself/herself and has sexual intercourse with him/her, after rendering him/her
unconscious or causing him/her to be in such a state of incapacity owing to fear or another similar
reason.
An attempt is punishable.
Section 2- Aggravated rape
If, in the rape,
(1) grievous bodily injury, serious illness or a state of mortal danger is inflicted on another;
(2) the offence is committed by several people; or especially hard mental or physical suffering is
caused;
(3) the offence is committed in a particularly brutal, cruel or humiliating manner; or
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(4) a firearm, edged weapon or other lethal instrument is used or a threat of other serious violence
is made,
and the rape is aggravated also when assessed as a whole, the offender shall be sentenced for
aggravated rape to imprisonment for at least two years and at most ten years.
An attempt is punishable.
Section 3 - Coercion into sexual intercourse
If the rape, in view of the slightness of the violence or threat and the other particulars of the
offence, is deemed to have been committed under mitigating circumstances when assessed as a
whole, the offender shall be sentenced for coercion into sexual intercourse to imprisonment for at
most three years.
A person who coerces another into sexual intercourse by a threat other than that referred to in
section 1(1) shall also be sentenced for coercion into sexual intercourse.
An attempt is punishable.
Section 4 - Coercion into a sexual act
(1) A person who by violence or threat coerces another into a sexual act other than that referred to
in section 1 or into submission to such an act, thus essentially violating his/her right of sexual selfdetermination, shall be sentenced for coercion into a sexual act to a fine or to imprisonment for at
most three years.
(2) An attempt is punishable.
**
Section 5 - Sexual abuse
(1) A person who abuses his/her position and entices one of the following into sexual intercourse,
into another sexual act essentially violating his/her right of sexual self-determination, or into
submission to such an act,
a) a person younger than eighteen years of age, who in a school or other institution is subject to the
authority or supervision of the offender or in another comparable manner subordinate to the
offender;
b) a person younger than eighteen years of age, whose capacity of independent sexual selfdetermination, owing to his/her immaturity or the age difference of the persons involved, is
essentially inferior to that of the offender, where the offender blatantly takes advantage of the
immaturity,
c) a patient in a hospital or other institution, whose capacity to defend himself/herself is essentially
impaired owing to illness, handicap or other infirmity; or
d) a person who is especially dependent on the offender, where the offender blatantly takes
advantage of the dependence,
shall be sentenced for sexual abuse to a fine or to imprisonment for at most four years
(2) A person shall also be sentenced for sexual abuse if he/she takes advantage of the incapacity of
another to defend himself/herself or to make or express a decision, owing to unconsciousness,
illness, handicap or other helplessness, and has sexual intercourse with him/her, or gets him/her to
perform a sexual act essentially violating his/her right of sexual self-determination or to submit to
such an act.
(3) An attempt is punishable.
Section 6 - Sexual abuse of a child
A person who
(1) has sexual intercourse with a child younger than sixteen years of age,
(2) by touching or otherwise performs a sexual act to a child younger than sixteen years of age,
said act being conducive to impairing his/her development,
(3) or gets him/her to perform an act referred to in subparagraph (2),
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shall be sentenced for sexual abuse of a child to imprisonment for at most four years.
However, an act referred to in paragraph (1) shall not be deemed sexual abuse of a child if there is
no great difference in the ages or the mental and physical maturity of the persons involved.
A person shall also be sentenced for sexual abuse of a child if he/she commits an act referred to in
paragraph (1) with a person over sixteen but younger than eighteen years of age, if the offender is
the parent of the child or, if living in the same household with the child, the offender is in a position
comparable to that of a parent.
An attempt is punishable.
Section 7 - Aggravated sexual abuse of a child
If, in the sexual abuse of a child,
(1) the victim is a child whose age or stage of development are such that the offence is conducive to
causing special injury to him/her;
(2) the offence is committed in an especially humiliating manner; or
(3) the offence is conducive to causing special injury to the child owing to the special trust he/she
has put in the offender or the special dependence of the child on the offender, and the offence is
aggravated also when assessed as a whole, the offender shall be sentenced for aggravated sexual
abuse of a child to imprisonment for at least one year and at most ten years.
An attempt is punishable.
Chapter 17 of Finnish penal code
Section 22 - Incest
A person who has sexual intercourse with his/her child or other descendant, his/her parent or other
ascendant, or his/her sibling, shall be sentenced for incest to a fine or to imprisonment for at most
two years.
A person who has had sexual intercourse with his/her parent or other ascendant while under 18
years of age and a person who has been coerced or unlawfully enticed into the sexual intercourse
shall not be punished for incest.
8. France
La Section III du Chapitre II de la deuxième partie du Nouveau Code Pénal est consacrée aux
agressions sexuelles.
Cette section comprend trois paragraphes intitulés respectivement : du viol, des autres agressions
sexuelles, du harcèlement sexuels. Ce dernier sujet ne sera pas abordé ici.
Aux termes de l’article 222-22 du Nouveau Code Pénal "Constitue une agression sexuelle toute
atteinte sexuelle commise avec violence, contrainte, menace ou surprise."
Le viol existe lorsque le consentement de la victime est vicié soit par la violence, la contrainte, la
menace ou la surprise
La violence désigne les pressions physiques exercées sur une personne afin d’obtenir d’elle un
comportement sexuels déterminé. La violence infligée à la victime est un moyen de se passer de son
consentement, à condition d’être suffisante pour paralyser sa résistance.
La contrainte peut être physique ou morale : il s’agit de parvenir au résultat désiré en exerçant des
pressions physiques.
La menace supprime le consentement et caractérise l’agression. Elle doit être susceptible d’inspirer
à la victime la crainte sérieuse et immédiate d’exposer sa personne ou celle de ses proches à un péril
considérable et imminent.
Finalement la surprise consiste en l’obtention de faveurs sexuelles en trompant la victime sur la
situation réelle ou en abusant de sa difficulté à appréhender celle-ci. Elle est ici synonyme de
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fraude, de supercherie. Il y a surprise lorsque la victime est, à raison de son âge, de son état
physique ou de son état mental, dans l’incapacité de consentir. Ce principe s’applique aux enfants
que le degré de maturité rend incapables de réaliser la nature et la gravité des actes qui leurs sont
imposés.
‘Viol’, Article 222-23 du Nouveau Code Pénal
Tout acte de pénétration sexuelle, de quelque nature qu’il soit, commis sur la personne d’autrui par
violence, contrainte, menace ou surprise est un viol.
a)Elément matériel de l'infraction :
L'infraction de viol suppose que l'auteur réalise l'acte de pénétration sexuelle sur la personne de la
victime.
Le viol résulte de rapports normaux imposés par un homme à une femme (le viol entre époux est
répréhensible). Néanmoins un homme peut également en violer un autre, de même qu'une femme
peut commettre l'infraction sur une personne de sexe féminin.
En effet, l'acte de pénétration peut consister non seulement en une conjonction des sexes masculin
et féminin, mais aussi dans la sodomie ou la fellation, ou encore dans l'introduction d'un objet dans
le vagin ou l'anus de la victime.
L'usage de la violence, de la contrainte, de la menace et de la surprise est révélateur de l'absence
de consentement de la victime. Elle ne peut ainsi valablement consentir si elle fait l'objet :
•
d'une violence physique suffisante pour paralyser sa résistance ;
•
d'une contrainte la privant de sa capacité à consentir :
•
de menaces lui inspirant une crainte sérieuse et immédiate d'exposer sa personne ou ses
proches à un péril grave et imminent ;
•
d'une surprise pouvant résulter de son défaut de discernement, imputable à son jeune âge ou
à un trouble mental.
b)Elément moral de l'infraction :
L'intention coupable consiste dans la connaissance chez l'auteur d'imposer à la victime un acte de
pénétration sexuelle auquel elle ne consent pas.
Le viol n'est constitué que dans la mesure où son auteur a été conscient d'imposer à la victime des
rapports sexuels non désirés par elle.
Le viol accompagné d'une ou plusieurs des circonstances aggravantes visées ci-après est passible
de 20 ans de réclusion criminelle
'Viol aggravé', Article 222-24 du Nouveau Code Pénal
Le viol est puni de vingt ans de réclusion criminelle :
1. Lorsqu'il a entraîné une mutilation ou une infirmité permanente ;
2. Lorsqu'il est commis sur un mineur de quinze (15) ans ;
3. Lorsqu'il est commis sur une personne dont la particulière vulnérabilité, due à son âge, à une
maladie, à une infirmité, à une déficience physique, ou psychique ou à un état de grossesse, est
apparente ou connue de l'auteur ;
4. Lorsqu'il est commis par un ascendant légitime, naturel ou adoptif, ou par toute autre personne
ayant autorité sur la personne ;
5. Lorsqu'il est commis par une personne qui abuse de l'autorité que lui confèrent ses fonctions ;
6. Lorsqu'il est commis par plusieurs personnes agissant en qualité d'auteur ou de complice ;
7. Lorsqu'il est commis avec usage ou menace d'une arme.
8. Lorsque la victime a été mise en contact avec l'auteur des faits grâce à l'utilisation , pour la
diffusion de messages à destination d'un public non déterminé, d'un réseau de télécommunication.
'Viol entraînant la mort de la victime', Article 222-25 du Nouveau Code Pénal
Le viol est puni de trente ans de réclusion criminelle lorsqu'il a entraîné la mort de la victime.
1
Les deux premiers alinéas de l'article 132-23 relatif à la période de sûreté sont applicables à
l'infraction prévue par le présent article.
'Viol accompagné ou suivi d'actes de tortures ou de barbarie', Article 222-26 du Nouveau
Code Pénal
Le viol est puni de la réclusion criminelle à perpétuité lorsqu'il est précédé, accompagné ou suivi
de tortures ou d'actes de barbarie.
Les deux premiers alinéas de l'article 132-23 relatif à la période de sûreté sont applicables à
l'infraction prévue par le présent article.
**
Les faits aujourd’hui qualifiés d’atteintes sexuelles sans violence des articles 227-25 à 227-27 du
Nouveau Code Pénal correspondent aux anciens ‘attentats à la pudeur sans violence’.
Il convient de distinguer les atteintes sexuelles commises sans violence sur un mineur de quinze
(15) ans, de celles pratiquées sur un mineur de quinze (15) à dix-huit (18) ans.
‘Atteinte sexuelle sur la personne d’un mineur’, Article 227-25 du Nouveau Code Pénal
Le fait, par un majeur, d’exercer sans violence, contrainte, menace ni surprise une atteinte sexuelle
sur la personne d’un mineur de quinze (15) ans est puni de cinq (5) ans d’emprisonnement et de 75
000 euros d’amende .
La victime doit être âgée de moins de quinze (15) ans révolus. Elle doit être consciente de la nature
des actes accomplis. Il faut donc que le mineur ait eu un âge suffisant pour réaliser ce qu’il faisait.
Le délit disparaît si le mineur est consentant et âgé de plus de quinze (15) ans.
‘Atteinte sexuelle sur mineur aggravée’, Article 227-26 du Nouveau Code Pénal
L’infraction définie à l’article 227-25 est punie de dix (10) ans d’emprisonnement et de 150 000
euros d’amende :
1.
Lorsqu’elle est commise par un ascendant légitime, naturel ou adoptif ou par toute autre
personne ayant autorité sur la victime ;
2.
Lorsqu’elle est commise par une personne qui abuse de l’autorité que lui confèrent ses
fonctions ;
3.
Lorsqu’elle est commise par plusieurs personnes agissant en qualité d’auteur ou de
complice ;
4.
Lorsqu’elle s’accompagne du versement d’une rémunération.
Dans le cas où l’infraction prévue par le 4° du présent article est commise à l’étranger, la loi
pénale française est applicable par dérogation au deuxième alinéa de l’article 113-6 et les
dispositions de la seconde phrase de l’article 113-8 ne sont pas applicables.
Afin de lutter contre les abus du tourisme sexuel, la Loi du 1er février 1994 a complété l’article
227-26 en créant un 4ième alinéa qui réprime l’atteinte sexuelle sans violence commise sur un
mineur de quinze (15) ans et accompagnée du versement d’une rémunération.
La Loi ne précise pas à qui la rémunération doit être versée en sorte que la circonstance aggravante
s’applique aussi bien lorsqu’on a rémunéré l’enfant lui-même que lorsqu’on a versé une rétribution
à l’intermédiaire qui l’a fourni.
Cet article modifie les règles générales relatives à l’application dans l’espace de la loi française.
Ainsi un français ‘touriste sexuel’ à l’étranger est punissable en France même si les faits ne sont pas
punissables dans le pays où ils ont été commis et que l’enfant n’est pas français.
Les juridictions françaises pourront donc condamner la personne qui a eu des relations de nature
sexuelle avec des mineurs livrés à la prostitution à l’étranger sans qu’une dénonciation officielle ou
une plainte ne soit formulée ni par les autorités du pays, ni par la victime des abus ou ses ayantsdroits.
Article 227-27 du Nouveau Code Pénal
1
Les atteintes sexuelles sans violence, contrainte, menace ni surprise sur un mineur âgé de plus de
quinze (15) ans et non émancipé par le mariage sont punies de deux (2) ans d’emprisonnement et
de 30 000 euros d’amende :
1.
Lorsqu’elles sont commises par un ascendant légitime, naturel ou adoptif ou par toute autre
personne ayant autorité sur la victime ;
2.
Lorsqu’elles sont commises par une personne qui abuse de l’autorité que lui confèrent ses
fonctions.
L’article précité ne réprime l’atteinte sexuelle sans violence commis sur la personne d’un mineur de
plus de quinze (15) ans, non émancipé par le mariage que dans les cas d’attentat à la pudeur commis
par un ascendant ou une personne ayant autorité.
‘Corruption de mineur’, Article 227-22 du Code Pénal
Le fait de favoriser ou de tenter de favoriser la corruption d'un mineur est puni de5 ans
d'emprisonnement et de 75 000 euros d'amende. Ces peines sont portées à 7 ans d'emprisonnement
et 100 000 euros d'amende lorsque le mineur est âgé de moins de 15 ans ou lorsque le mineur a été
mis en contact avec l'auteur des faits grâce à l'utilisation, pour la diffusion de messages à
destination d'un public non déterminé, d'un réseau de télécommunications ou que les faits sont
commis à l'intérieur d'un établissement scolaire ou éducatif ou, à l'occasion des entrées ou des
sorties des élèves, aux abordes d'un tel établissement.
Les mêmes peines sont notamment applicables au fait, commis par un majeur, d'organiser des
réunions comportant des exhibitions ou des relations sexuelles auxquelles un mineur assiste ou
participe.
a) Eléments constitutifs de l'infraction :
Ce délit vise à punir les actions contre la pudeur accomplies en présence d'un ou plusieurs mineurs
en vue de leur perversion. Ces agissements peuvent également avoir été effectués pour satisfaire les
passions d'autres personnes que le mineur. C'est par exemple le cas de l'organisation de réunions
comportant des exhibitions ou des relations sexuelles auxquelles un mineur assiste ou participe.
9. Germany
Section 177 ‘Sexual coercion; Rape’
(1) Whoever coerces another person
1. by force,
2. by the threat of immediate danger to life or limb, or
3. by exploiting a situation in which the victim is defenceless and at the mercy of the actions of the
perpetrator
into submitting to sexual acts performed by the perpetrator or by a third person or into performing
such acts on the perpetrator or on the third person, shall be punished by imprisonment of not less
than one year.
(2) In particularly serious cases, the punishment shall be imprisonment of not less than two years. A
particularly serious case shall normally be deemed to exist if
1. the perpetrator has full sexual intercourse with the victim or performs similar sexual acts on the
victim or allows the victim to perform such acts on him or her, which are particularly degrading to
the victim, especially if they involve physical penetration (rape), or
2. the offence is committed jointly by several persons.
(3) Imprisonment of not less than three years shall be imposed in cases where the perpetrator
1. carries a firearm or another dangerous implement,
2. otherwise carries an implement or device in order to prevent or overcome the resistance of
another person by force or the threat of force, or
3. through the offence exposes the victim's health to the risk of severe impairment.
1
(4) Imprisonment of not less than five years shall be imposed in cases where the perpetrator
1. in committing the offence uses a firearm or another dangerous implement, or
2. i) in committing the offence seriously physically maltreats the victim, or
ii) through the offence places the victim in mortal danger.
(5) In less serious cases referred to under subsection 1, the punishment shall be imprisonment from
six months to five years; in less serious cases referred to under subsections 3 and 4, the punishment
shall be imprisonment from one year to ten years.
**
‘Sexual intercourse between relatives’ Section 173 of the German Penal Code
(1) Whoever has full sexual intercourse with a consanguine descendant shall be punished by
imprisonment not exceeding three years or by a fine.
(2) Whoever has sexual intercourse with a consanguine relative in the ascending line shall be
punished by imprisonment not exceeding two years or by a fine; this shall apply even if the legal
family relationship has ceased to exist. Siblings who have full sexual intercourse with each other
shall be punished in the same way.
(3) Descendants and siblings who had not reached the age of eighteen at the time of the offence
shall not be punished under this provision.
Section 174
(1) Whoever performs sexual acts
1. on a person of less than sixteen years of age who has been entrusted to him or her for
upbringing, education or care concerning that person's way of life,
2. on a person of less than eighteen years of age who either has been entrusted to him or her for
upbringing, education or care concerning that person's way of life or who is subordinate to him or
her in a service or employment relationship, by abusing a dependency in connection with the
relationship of upbringing, education, care, service or employment, or
3. on his or her own natural or adopted child of less than eighteen years of age
or allows such a person in his or her charge to perform sexual acts on him or her, shall be punished
by imprisonment not exceeding five years or by a fine.
(2) Whoever, under the prerequisites laid down in subsection 1 nos. 1 to 3
1. performs sexual acts in the presence of the person in his or her charge or
2. allows the person in his or her charge to perform sexual acts in his or her presence
in order to thereby sexually arouse either him- or herself or the person in his or her charge, shall
be punished by imprisonment not exceeding three years or by a fine.
(3) An attempt shall incur criminal liability.
(4) In the cases referred to under subsection 1 no. 1 or subsection 2 in conjunction with subsection
1 no. 1, the court may refrain from imposing punishment pursuant to this provision if, taking the
behaviour of the person in his or her charge into consideration, the wrongfulness of the act is
insignificant.
‘Sexual abuse of children’, § 176 of the German Penal Code(1) Whoever commits sex acts on a
person under fourteen (14) years of age (a child) or whoever permits to do the same to him, shall be
punished by imprisonment from six months to ten years or, in less serious cases, by up to five years
imprisonment or by fine.
(2) Similar punishment shall be imposed on anyone who induces a child to commit sex acts on a
third person or to permit a third person to do the same to the child.
(3) Imprisonment from one to ten years shall be imposed in especially serious cases. As a general
rule, an especially serious case shall be deemed to exist if the offender:
1. has sexual intercourse with the child; or
2. in committing the act grossly abuses the child.
1
(4) If, in committing the act, the offender recklessly caused the death of the child, not less than five
years’ imprisonment shall be imposed.
(5) Up to three years’ imprisonment or fine shall be imposed on anyone who 1. commits sex acts in front of a child;
2. induces a child to commit sex acts in front of him or a third person; or
3. exerts influence on a child, by showing him pornographic illustrations or representations, by
playing recordings of pornographic content, or by suggestive speech of the same nature,
- in order to thereby sexually arouse himself, the child or a third person.
The attempt is punishable.
This rule shall no apply to offences falling under subparagraph (5) number 3.
Section 176a. Aggravated sexual abuse of children
(1) Sexual abuse of children in the cases referred to under section 176 subsections 1 and 2 shall be
punished by imprisonment of not less than one year where
1. a person of more than eighteen years of age has full sexual intercourse with the child or performs
similar sexual acts on the child or allows the child to perform such acts on him or her which involve
physical penetration,
2. the offence is committed jointly by several persons,
3. the perpetrator through the offence exposes the child's health to the risk of severe impairment or
exposes the child's physical or emotional development to the risk of serious damage, or
4. the perpetrator has been convicted of such a criminal offence with legal force in the past five
years.
(2) Imprisonment of not less than two years shall be imposed on anyone who, in the cases referred
to under section 176 subsections 1 to 4, acts as an perpetrator or other participant with intent to
make the offence the subject of a pornographic writing (section 11 subsection 3) which is intended
to be disseminated pursuant to section 184 subsection 3 or 4.
(3) In less serious cases referred to under subsection 1, the punishment shall be imprisonment from
three months to five years; in less serious cases referred to under subsection 2, the punishment shall
be imprisonment from one year to ten years.
(4) Imprisonment of not less than five years shall be imposed on anyone who, in the cases referred
to under section 176 subsections 1 and 2
1. seriously physically maltreats the child in committing the offence, or
2. through the offence places the child in mortal danger.
10. Greece
In the Hellenic Legislation, there is no special provision that deals with sexual contact with a minor,
involving the use of violence.
The general provision of Article 336 of the Greek Penal Code can be applied, as it refers to
adults and minors of both sexes:
One who by physical force or threat of serious and immediate danger forces another into extramarital intercourse or attempts an indecent act, is punished with confinement.
If the act of rape is committed by two or more perpetrators who were acting jointly, the persons are
punished with confinement of at least 10 years.
If the act of rape causes the death of the victim, confinement of at least ten years or lifeimprisonment is imposed.
Penal Prosecution is exercised in officio.
***
‘Seduction of minors’, Article 339 of the Greek Penal Code
1
1) One who commits an indecent act with a person under fifteen (15) years of age, or causes this
person to commit or undergo such an act through deception, is punished as follows:
a) if the victim is under ten (10) years of age, with at least ten years’ confinement.
b) if the victim has completed ten (10) years of age, but is under thirteen (13) years of age, with
confinement of up to ten years.
c) if the victim has completed thirteen (13) years of age, with imprisonment.
2) If in case of section c) of the first paragraph, the perpetrator has not completed seventeen (17)
years of age, the Court can only impose reformative or curative measures.
3) If a wedding was performed between the perpetrator and the victim, no criminal prosecution will
be exercised and if such has been instituted, it is declared inadmissible.
‘Abduction with consent’, Article 328 of the Greek Penal Code
One who abducts or detains with intent of marriage or debauchery an unwed and minor woman,
with her consent but without the consent of the persons legally responsible for her, is punished with
imprisonment for up to three years if he committed this act with intent of marriage, or with
imprisonment if he committed this act with intent of debauchery.
A complaint is required for the criminal prosecution.
‘Abuse of minors’, Article 342 of the Greek Penal Code
1. With imprisonment of at least one year is punished, one from whom a minor has legally
descended or a foster parent who commits an unchaste act with his/her minor descendant or foster
child, a guardian or commissioner or tutor of any kind who commits the same act with the minor
they have in custody, the teachers or educators with their minor students or trainees, the clerics
with their minor go-children.
2. The same punishment shall be inflicted to the servants or tenants who commit an unchaste act
upon a minor who belongs to the same domestic circle, as well as anyone who commits an indecent
act upon a minor entrusted to his supervision or guardianship, even temporarily.
‘Incest’, Article 345 of the Greek Penal Code
1. Sexual intercourse with blood-relatives of an ascendant is punished with confinement for up to
ten (10) years, and with blood-relatives of a descendant, with imprisonment for up to two (2) years,
and between brothers and sisters or half-brothers and half-sisters, sexual intercourse is punished
with imprisonment for up to two (2) years.
2. Lineal blood descendants may be absolved from punishment if at the time of the commission of
the act, they had not reached seventeen (17) years of age.
The criminal prosecution is exercised ex officio.
‘Indecency between relatives’, Article 346 of the Greek Penal Code
1. The attempt of another indecent act between relatives as mentioned at Article 345 is punished
with imprisonment for up to one (1) year.
2. The second paragraph of Article 345 shall also be applied in this case.
The criminal prosecution is exercised ex officio.
‘Insult of sexual dignity’, Article 337 of the Greek Penal Code
1. One who insults heavily the dignity of a person concerning his sexual life, with the perpetration
of unchaste gesticulations or with proposals regarding unchaste acts, shall be punished with
imprisonment of not more than one (1) year or with a fine.
2. The act described in the above-mentioned paragraph is punished with imprisonment from three
(3) months to two (2) years if the victim is younger than twelve (12) years of age.
‘Sodomy’, Article 347 of the Greek Penal Code
1
a) Abuse of a relationship of dependence based upon employment; or
b) Sodomy committed by an adult through the seduction of a person under seventeen (17) years of
age, or for financial gain, shall be punished with imprisonment of at least three (3) months.
The criminal prosecution is exercised ex officio.
11. Hungary
Section 197 Rape
1) A person who by violent action or direct menace against life or limb forces a woman to have
sexual intercourse, or uses the incapacity of the woman for defence or for the manifestation of her
will for sexual intercourse, commits a felony and shall be punishable with imprisonment between 2
and 8 years.
2) The punishment shall be imprisonment from 5 to 10 years if:
a) the victim is under 12 years of age
b) the victim is under the education, supervision, care or medical treatment of the perpetrator
c) more than one person have sexual intercourse with the victim on the same occasion, knowing
about each other's acts
3) The punishment shall be imprisonment between 5 to 15 years if the provisions of paragraph b) or
c) of subsection 2) also apply to rape committed against a victim under 12 years of age.
Section 195 Endangering a minor
1) The person obliged to conduct the education, supervision of or care for a minor, who seriously
violates his obligations arising from such duty, and thereby endangers the physical, intellectual or
moral development of the minor, commits a felony and shall be punishable with imprisonment
between 1 to 5 years.
2) Unless a graver crime is realized, that major person shall be punishable in accordance with
subsection 1), who induces or tries to induce a minor to the perpetration of a crime or to the
pursuance of a dissolute way of life.
3) Any person of legal age who has forced labour conducted by a minor commits a felony offence
and shall be punishable with imprisonment between 2 to 8 years.
Section 198 Assault against decency
1) A person who by violence or direct menace against life or limb forces another person to engage
in sodomy or to the endurance there of, or uses for sodomy the incapacity of another person for
defence or for the manifestation of will, commits a felony and shall be punishable with
imprisonment between 2 to 8 years.
2) The punishment shall be imprisonment from 5 years to 10 years, if:
a) the victim is under 12 years of age
b) the victim is under education, supervision, care or medical treatment of the perpetrator
c) if several persons sodomize the victim on the same occasion, knowing about each other's act.
3) the punishment shall be imprisonment between 5 to 15 years if the provisions of paragraph b) or
c) of subsection 2) also apply to the sexual assault committed against a victim under 12 years of
age.
Section 199 Fornication against nature
A person who has committed 18 years of age, who fornicates with a person of identical sex younger
than that age, commits a felony, and shall be punishable with imprisonment of up to 3 years.
Section 200 Forceful fornication against nature
1) A person who by violence or direct menace against life or limb forces a person of the same sex to
engage in sodomy or to the endurance thereof, or uses his/her incapacity for defence or for the
1
manifestation of will for sodomy, commits a felony, and shall be punishable with imprisonment from
2 to 8 years.
2) The punishment shall be imprisonment from 5 to 10 years, if:
a) the victim is under 12 years of age
b) the victim is under education, supervision, care or medical treatment of the perpetrator
c) several persons sodomize the victim on the same occasion, knowing about each other's acts.
3) The punishment shall be imprisonment between 5 to 15 years if the provisions of paragraph b) or
c) of subsection 2) also apply to sexual assault committed against a victim under 12 years of age.
Section 210
For the purposes of Section 197,198 and 200, the person who has not yet completed his 12th year of
age shall be deemed as incapable of defence.
Section 201 Seduction
1) The person who has sexual intercourse with a person who has not yet completed his 14th year, as
well as the person who has completed his 18th year and engages in fornication with a person who
has not yet exceeded his 14th year of age, commits a felony and shall be punishable with
imprisonment from 1 to 5 years.
2) The person who has completed his 18th year and strives to persuade a person who has not
completed his 14th years, to have sexual intercourse or to fornicate with him, commits a felony and
shall be punishable with imprisonment of up to 3 years.
3) The punishment shall be imprisonment from 2 to 8 years, or from 1 to 5 years, respectively, if the
injured party of the crime defined in subsections 1) or 2) is a relative of the perpetrator, or is under
the education, supervision, care or medical treatment of the perpetrator
Section 202
1) The person who induces a person who has not yet completed his 14th year to have sexual
intercourse or to fornicate with another person, commits a felony and shall be punishable with
imprisonment from 1 to 5 years.
2) The person who has completed his 18th year and strives to persuade a person who has not yet
completed his 14th year, to have a sexual intercourse or to fornicate with another person, commits
a felony, and shall be punishable with imprisonment of up to 3 years.
3) The punishment shall be imprisonment from 2 to 8 years, or from 1 to 5 years, respectively, if the
injured party of the crime defined in subsections 1) or 2) is a relative of the perpetrator, or is under
the education, supervision, care or medical treatment of the perpetrator
Section 203 Incest
1) The person who has sexual intercourse or fornicates with his relative in direct line, commits a
felony and shall be punishable with imprisonment from 1 year to 5 years.
2) The descendant shall not be punishable, if he has not yet completed his 18th year of age on the
perpetration of the act.
3) A person who has sexual intercourse with his or her sibling shall be punishable for a
misdemeanour offence with imprisonment of up to 2 years.
Section 208 Obscenity
A person who exposes himself before another person in an indecent way for the satisfaction of his
or her sexual desire, commits a misdemeanour, and shall be punishable with imprisonment of up to
2 years, labour in public interest, or a fine.
1
12. Ireland
'Sexual intercourse with a female- no consent'
Section 2 of the Criminal Law ( Rape ) Act, 1981 provides for the offence of rape which is Sexual
intercourse by a man with a woman who does not consent to it.
Rape under Section 4 of Criminal Law ( Rape) (Amendment ) Act, 1990
This sexual assault includes:
a) penetration (however slight) of the anus or mouth by the penis or;
b) penetration (however slight) of the vagina by any object held or manipulated by another person.
**
'Sexual intercourse with persons U.17'
Sexual Intercourse with girls under the age of seventeen (17) years is rendered criminal by the
following legislation:
(i) Section 1 of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1935 provides that it is an offence punishable
by a maximum penalty of imprisonment for life to have unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under
the age of fifteen (15) years.
(ii) Section 2 of the Criminal Law Act, 1935 provides that it is an offence punishable by five (5)
years imprisonment on first conviction and ten (10) years imprisonment on second conviction, to
have unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl aged between fifteen (15) and seventeen (17) years.
In both these cases neither consent on the part of the female or mistake on the part of the male as to
her age will afford any defence.
Section 3 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act, 1993 provides that it is an offence to commit
an act of buggery with any person under the age of seventeen (17) years. Consent does not provide
a defence to a charge of buggery with a person under this age.
‘Sexual intercourse with a child within the family’
The Punishment of Incest Act, 1908, creates the crime of incest, which may be committed by a
male who has carnal knowledge of a female who is his mother, sister, daughter or granddaughter.
The primary purpose of the Act is to outlaw sexual intercourse between certain blood relatives
within the family.
There is no specific legislation in this jurisdiction dealing with sexual intercourse with a child
committed by a teacher or other person having authority over the child.
‘Other forms of sexual abuse’
(i) Section 2 of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act, 1990 provides for an offence known as
sexual assault, which is an indecent assault upon any person.
(ii) Section 3 of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment ) Act, 1990 provides for the offence of
aggravated sexual assault which is a sexual assault that involves serious violence to the person
assaulted.
13. Italy
‘Violence sexuelle’, Article 609 Bis du Code Pénal Italien
Celui qui, en abusant de la violence ou des menaces ou bien de son autorité, contraint une autre
personne à accomplir ou subir des actes sexuels, est condamné à 5 jusqu'à 10 ans de détention.
La même peine sera purgée par celui qui mène quelqu’un à accomplir ou subir des actes sexuels :
1) en abusant des conditions d’infériorité physique ou psychique de la victime au moment où la
violence est perpétrée ;
2) en parvenant à tromper sa victime par la ruse, à savoir par la fait de prendre la place d’une
autre personne.
1
Dans les cas moins graves la peine est réduite de 2/3 maximum.
‘Circonstances aggravantes’, Les circonstances aggravantes sont énumérées à l’article 609Ter
du Code Pénal Italien
Une peine de détention allant de 6 à 12 ans est prévue au cas où las délits visés à l’article 609Bis
seraient perpétrés :
1) au préjudice d’un enfant mineur de quatorze (14) ans ;
2) en utilisant des armes ou bien des produits alcooliques, des stupéfiants ou des substances
grièvement préjudiciables pour la santé de la victime ;
3) par une personne qui fait semblant d’être un officier public ou bien préposée à une fonction
publique ;
4) au préjudice d’une personne subissant des contraintes de sa liberté personnelle exercées par le
responsable du délit ;
5) au préjudice d’un enfant mineur de seize (16) ans dont le coupable est le père même adoptif ou le
tuteur légitime.
La détention de 7 à 14 ans est prévue pour le cas où le délit a été commis au préjudice des mineurs
de 10 ans.
‘Violence sexuelle en groupe’, Article 609 Octies du Code Pénal Italien
La violence sexuelle en groupe consiste en la participation de plusieurs personnes s’étant
regroupées à des actes de violence visés à l’article 609Bis.
Celui qui a commis des actes de violence sexuelle en groupe doit purger une peine allant de six à
douze ans de détention.
La peine est augmentée si l’une des circonstances aggravantes prévues par l’article 609Ter est
envisagée dans le procédure.
Par contre, la peine est allégée pour celui qui, tout en participant à l’acte de violence, a joué un
rôle tout à fait négligeable dans l’organisation et accomplissement du crime. En outre, la peine est
également réduite au cas où il aurait été mené à perpétrer le délit dans les conditions visées à
l’article 112, alinéas 1 et 3.
**
‘Actes sexuels avec un mineur’, Article 609 Quater du Code Pénal Italien
A la peine visée à l’article 609 Bis sera soumis celui qui, indépendamment des cas envisagés par le
susdit article, accomplit des actes sexuels avec une personne ayant :
1) moins de quatorze (14) ans ;
2) moins de seize (16) ans, si le coupable est le père adoptif ou bien le tuteur légitime, ou bien une
autre personne à laquelle le mineur a été confié pour des questions de santé, de formation,
d’instruction, de surveillance ou de garde, ou bien si elle vit avec le mineur.
Le mineur qui, indépendamment des cas envisagés par l’article 609Bis, accomplit des actes sexuels
avec un mineur âgé de treize (13) ans, n’est pas susceptible d’être puni au cas où le décalage d’âge
entre les deux mineurs serait moins de 3 ans.
Dans les cas moins graves la peine est réduite de 2/3.
Si la victime a moins de dix (10) ans, il faut bien appliquer l’article 609Ter alinéa 2."
‘Corruption de mineurs’, Article 609 Quinquies du Code Pénal Italien
"Celui qui accomplit des actes sexuels en présence d’un mineur de quatorze (14) ans, afin qu’il
puisse les observer, est punissable par une peine allant de 6 mois jusqu’à 3 ans.
14. Latvia
Article 159
1
1) For a person who commits an act of sexual intercourse by means of violence, threats or taking
advantage of the state of helplessness of a female victim, the applicable sentence is deprivation of
liberty for a term not exceeding 7 years, with or without police supervision for a term not exceeding
3 years.
2) For a person who commits rape where commission is by a person who has previously committed
rape or commission is by a group of persons or who commits rape of a female minor, the applicable
sentence is deprivation of liberty for a term of not less than 5 years and not exceeding 15 years,
with or without police supervision for a term not exceeding 3 years.
3) For a person who commits rape, if serious consequences are caused thereby, or commits rape of
a female juvenile, the applicable sentence is life imprisonment, or deprivation of liberty for a term
of not less than 10 years and not exceeding 20 years, with or without police supervision for a term
not exceeding 3 years.
**
Article 160- Forcible sexual assault
1) For a person who commits pederastic or lesbian or other unnatural sexual acts of gratification, if
such acts have been committed using violence or threats or by taking advantage of the state of
helplessness of a person, the applicable sentence is deprivation of liberty for a term not exceeding 6
years, or custodial arrest.
2) For a person who commits the same acts, if commission thereof is on a minor, or is repeated, or
by a person who has previously committed rape, or by a group of persons, the applicable sentence is
deprivation of liberty for a term of not less than 3 years and not exceeding 12 years.
3) For a person who commits acts provided for in Paragraphs 1 or 2 of this Section, if serious
consequences are caused thereby, or if commission thereof is on juvenile, the applicable sentence is
deprivation of the liberty for a term of not less than 5 years and not exceeding 15 years.
Article 161- Sexual intercourse, pederasty, lesbianism with a person who has not attained the age of
sixteen years
For a person who commits an act of sexual intercourse, or pederastic, lesbian or other unnatural
sexual act of gratification, with a person who has not attained the age of 16 years and who is in
financial or other dependence on the offender, or if such offence has been committed by a person
who has attained the age of majority, the applicable sentence is deprivation of liberty for a term not
exceeding 4 years.
Article 162- Immoral acts with a minor
1) For a person who commits immoral acts with a minor against the will of the minor or if such act
have been committed by a person who has attained majority, the applicable sentence is deprivation
of liberty for a term not exceeding 3 years or custodial arrest.
2) For a person who commits immoral act with a juvenile, the applicable sentence is deprivation of
the liberty for a term not exceeding 6 years.
'Sexual Abuse', Article 121 of the Penal Code
*For sexual Abuse committed in group or minors sexual abuse, imprisonment for five to fifteen
years.
*For sexual abuse with particularly heavy consequences or committed by an especially dangerous
recidivist, as well as for child sex abuse, imprisonment for two to five years with banishment or
without, or death penalty.
'Sexual intercourse with a person under sixteen (16) years', Article 122 of the Penal Code
*For sexual intercourse with a person under sixteen (16) years old, imprisonment for up to four
years
‘Inveigling persons under sixteen (16) years old into lechery’, Article 123 of the Penal Code
2
*For inveigling persons under sixteen (16) years old into lechery, imprisonment for up to three
years.
15. Lithuania
Article 118
1) Sexual intercourse by using physical violence or threats or using the victim's helpless state is
punishable by imprisonment of 3 to 7 years.
2) Rape, committed by a person who has already committed the same crime is punishable by
imprisonment of 5 to 10 years.
3) Rape, if committed by a group of persons, or rape of a minor is punishable by imprisonment of 5
to 15 years.
4) Rape, if committed by a special dangerous recidivist or if it caused grave consequences, as well
as rape of an infant, is punishable by imprisonment of 8 to 15 years
Article 122
Sexual intercourse of male with male by using physical violence or threats or using the victim's
helpless state or rape of a minor is punishable by imprisonment of 3 to 8 years.
**
Article 120
Sexual intercourse with a sexually immature person is punishable by imprisonment of up to 5 years.
Article 121
Depravation of a person who is under 16 years of age is punishable by imprisonment of up to 3
years.
16. Luxembourg
Art . 375
Tout acte de pénétration sexuelle, de quelque nature qu'il soit et par quelque moyen que ce soit,
commis sur la personne d'autrui, soit à l'aide de violences ou de menaces graves, soit par ruse ou
artifice, soit en abusant d'une personne hors d'état de donner un consentement libre ou d'opposer de
la résistance, constitue un viol et sera puni de la réclusion de 5 à 10 ans.
Est réputé viol commis en abusant d'une personne hors d'état de donner un consentement libre tout
acte de pénétration sexuelle, de quelque nature qu'il soit et par quelque moyen que ce soit, commis
dur la personne d'un enfant qui n'a pas atteint l'âge de 14 ans accomplis. Dans ce cas le coupable
sera puni de la réclusion de 10 à 15 ans.*
* Si un viol a été commis sur la personne d'une enfant âgée de moins de 14 ans accomplis , il n'est
pas nécessaire de constater spécialement, en tant qu'élément constructif de l'infraction, que l'enfant
a été hors d'état de donner un consentement libre ou d'opposer de la résistance, alors que, dans le
cas de viol consommé sur la personne d'une enfant âgée de moins de 14 ans accomplis, la loi
présume d'une façon irréfragable que la victime a été incapable d'émettre un consentement libre à
l'acte sexuel qu'on exigeait d'elle.
Art. 376
Si le viol a causé la mort de la personne sur laquelle il a été commis, le coupable sera puni de la
réclusion de 15 à 20 ans.
Le meurtre commis pour faciliter le viol ou pour assurer l'impunité sera puni de la réclusion à vie.
2
Art.377
Le minimum de peines portées par les articles précédents sera élevé conformément à l'article 266.
Si le coupables sont les ascendants de la personnes sur laquelle ou à l'aide de laquelle l'attentat a été
commis ;
S'ils sont de la classe de ceux qui ont autorité sur elle ;
S'ils sont ses instituteurs ou ses serviteurs gages, ou les serviteurs des personnes ci-dessus
désignées;
Si l'attentat a été commis, soit par des fonctionnaires publics ou des ministres d'un culte qui ont
abusé de leur position pour le commettre, soit par des médecins, chirurgiens, accoucheurs ou
officier de santé, envers des personnes confiées à leur soins ;
Enfin, si, dans les cas des articles 373, 375 et 376, le coupable, quel qu'il soit a été aidé, dans
l'exécution du crime ou du délit, par une ou plusieurs personnes.
Art. 378
Dans les cas prévus par le présent chapitre, les coupables seront condamnés l'interdiction des droits
énoncés aux numéros 1,3,4,5 et 7 de l'article 11.
Dans les cas prévus aux articles 372, alinéa 1er et 373, alinéa 1er, ils pourront, de plus être
condamnés à l'interdiction des droits de vote d'élection et d'éligibilité pour un terme de 5 à 10 ans.
Si l'attentat a été commis par le père ou la mère, le coupable sera, en outre, privé des droits et
avantages à lui accorder sur la personne et sur les biens de l'enfant par le code civil, livre 1er titre
IX "De l'autorité parentale".
**
Art. 372
Tout attentat à la pudeur commis sans violence ni menaces, sur la personne ou à l'aide de la
personne d'un enfant de l'un ou de l'autre sexe âgé de moins de 16 ans accomplis, sera puni d'un
emprisonnement de 1 an à 5 ans
Art. 373
L'attentat à la pudeur, commis avec violence ou menaces, sur des personnes de l'un ou de l'autre
sexe ou bien commis sur des personnes hors d'état de donner un consentement libre ou d'opposer de
la résistance, sera puni d'un emprisonnement de 6 mois à 5 ans.
Si l'attentat a été commis sur la personne d'un enfant au-dessous de l'âge de 14 ans accomplis, le
coupable subira la réclusion de 5 à 10 ans.
Art. 374
L'attentat existe dès qu'il y a commencement d'exécution.
17. Poland
Article 197:
Paragraph 1: Whoever, with use of force, threat or ruse, induces an other person to have sexual
intercourse, may be punished with imprisonment from 1 to 10 years.
Paragraph 2:
If the perpetrator, as described in the first paragraph of the same article, induces an other person
to submit himself to another sexual act or to complete such an act, may be punished with
imprisonment from 3 months to 5 years.
Paragraph 3:
If the perpetrator acts with a special cruelty or commits the act of rape together with other persons,
he may be punished with imprisonment from 2 years to 12 years.
**
2
Article 198
Whoever, taking advantage of the vulnerability of another person, or of the lack of ability to control
his/her conduct, resulting from mental disability or disorder, subjects such a person to sexual
intercourse or makes him/her submit to another sexual act or to perform such an act shall be
subject to the penalty of the deprivation of liberty for a term of between 6 months and 8 years.
Article 199
Whoever abusing a relationship of dependence or by taking advantage of a critical situation,
subjects such a person to sexual intercourse or makes him/her submit to another sexual act or to
perform such an act shall be subject to the penalty of deprivation of liberty for up to 3 years.
Article 200
Whoever subjects a minor under 15 years of age to sexual intercourse or makes him/her submit to
another sexual act shall be subject to the penalty of the deprivation of liberty for a term between 1
and 10 years.
Article 201
Whoever has sexual intercourse with an ascendant, descendant, or a person being an adopted,
adopting relation or brother or sister shall be subject to the penalty of the deprivation of liberty for
a term of between 3 months and 5 years.
18. Portugal
En ce qui concerne ce type de crime et selon l'article 164 (viol ) du Code Pénal stipule le suivant :
1. Celui qui en usant la force/violence ou menace grave, ou qui, pour parvenir au résultat désiré la
rend inconsciente ou l'a met hors d'état de résister, ou qui la contraint à subir ou à accomplir avec
lui ou avec autrui une relation sexuelle, ou anale ou buccale sera puni d'une peine
d'emprisonnement de 3 à 8 ans.
2. Celui qui par abus d'autorité et profitant d'une relation de dépendance hiérarchique, économique
ou professionnelle, aura contraint une personne par usage d'autorité ou menace non visées dans le
cas précédent, a accomplir ou à subir avec lui ou avec autrui une relation sexuelle, ou anale ou
buccale sera puni d'une peine d'emprisonnement jusqu'à 3 ans.
Toute fois quand il s'agit de mineurs Code Pénal Portugais a défini un article spécifique sur cette
matière. Article 172- Abus sexuel de mineurs, qui stipule :
1. Celui qui pratique un acte sexuel avec ou sur un mineur âgé de moins de 14 ans ou le mène a
pratiquer cet acte avec lui ou avec une autre personne, sera puni d'une peine d'emprisonnement
d'un an à huit ans.
2. Si la personne pratique la copulation ou coit anal avec un mineur âgé de moins de 14 ans il sera
puni d'une peine d'emprisonnement de 3 à 10 ans.
3. Quiconque :
a) qui incite une personne n'ayant pas encore atteint l'age de 14 ans en dissimulant la nature sous
des artifices de langage ou d'écrits, ou d'autre supports visuels tels que organisations de spectacles
ou objets à caractère pornographique ;
b) qui aura réalisé des photos , films ou autres supports visuels pornographiques impliquant des
mineurs âgés de moins de 14 ans ou ;
c) qui aura exposé ou diffusé à quiconque, par de quelque moyen que se soit, les supports visuels
précités, sera puni d'une peine d'emprisonnement de 3 ans.
d) qui aura pratiqué les acte décrits ci-dessus ayant en vue obtenir un profit lucratif sera puni avec
une peine d'emprisonnement de 6 mois à 5 ans.
**
2
Article 173 ‘abus sexuel d'adolescents et dépendants’ du Code Pénal
Celui qui pratique ou mène à pratiquer les actes décrits dans les paragraphes 1 et 2 de l'article 172
relativement à :
1.
un mineur âgé de 14 à 16 ans qui lui soit confié pour éducation ou assistance ou
2.
un mineur âgé de 16 à 19 ans qui lui soit confié pour éducation et assistance, abusant de sa
fonction ou de la position qu’il détient;
3.
sera puni d'une peine d'emprisonnement d'un an a 8 ans.
Il y aura aussi une aggravation de la peine dans ses limites maximum et minimum, prévue par le n°.
1 de l'article 177 si la victime:
1.
Est ascendant, descendant, adoptant, adopté, parent ou assimilé jusqu'au deuxième degré de
l'agent, ou se trouve sous sa tutelle ou sa curatelle ; ou
2.
Est sous la dépendance hiérarchique, économique ou de travail de l'agent et le crime est
commis profitant de cette relation.
Article 174 du Code Pénal
Celui qui pratique ou a pratiqué la copulation avec un mineur age de 14 a 16 ans, abusant de son
inexpérience, sera puni d'une peine d'emprisonnement jusqu'a 2 ans ou d'une peine d'amende
jusqu'a 240 jours.
Article 175 du Code Pénal
Celui qui, étant majeur, pratique des actes homosexuels avec un mineur âgé de 14 à 16 ans ou
mène à ce que ces actes soient pratiqués par autrui, sera puni d'une peine d'emprisonnement
jusqu'à deux ans ou d’une peine d'amende jusqu’à 240 jours.
19. Slovakia
Cases of sexual abuse foreseen by Section 242 and 243 of the Slovak Penal Code are quite
frequently recorded (annually about 500 cases). One third of the total number is committed to the
detriment of a depending person (by a parent of the child). It is worth to mention that 95 per cent of
the cases has been committed by Gypsies.
20. Spain
Relaciones sexuales con Menores en los que se recurre a la violencia (amenaza o sorpresa)
incluidas la relación oral y anal.
El titulo VIII del Código Penal regula los delitos contra la libertad sexual estableciendo en
Capítulos los diferentes delitos de atentar contra esta libertad.
Así : El Capitulo I, art. 178, "De las Agresiones Sexuales de otra persona con violencia o
intimidación", estableciendo en el articulo 180 n° 3 una agravante cuando la víctima sea una
persona especialmente vulnerable por razón de su edad.
**
‘Relaciones sexuales con menores sin uso de la violencia (ni amenaza ni sorpresa)’
Se regula en el Capitulo II, art. 181 que trata de los abusos sexuales que se llevan a efecto sin
violencia ni intimidación.
En el párrafo 2°, se ha establecido un tipo sobre la base de presumir de una "practica legal" que no
existe consentimiento cuando la víctima es menor de doce (12) años (en la próxima reforma serán
trece (13) años según se explica mas adelante en el informe).
‘Relaciones sexuales con menores cometidas por personas que tengan un vinculo familiar con ellos’
2
En el mismo art. 181 párrafo 3 se regula los abusos sexuales obtenidos prevaliéndose el culpable de
su situación de superioridad consiguiendo el consentimiento de la víctima que coarte su libertad.
En estos supuestos la superioridad manifiesta del agente constriñe la libertad de la víctima.
Esta prevalimiento puede derivarse de varios factores :
- relación familiar
- dependencia económica
- deferencia de edad
- convivencia familiar
En el artículo 182 se tipifica el delito de abuso sexual cundo consista en acceso carnal,
introducción de objetos o penetración bucal o anal en los casos de falta de consentimiento.
Constituyendo una agravante el párrafo 1 del citado artículo cuando el delito es cometido
"prevaliéndose de su relación de parentesco, por ascendiente, descendiente o hermano".
En el artículo 183 tenemos el abuso sexual fraudulento, calificado tradicionalmente como delito de
estupro, donde se castiga al "que, interviniendo engaño, cometiere abuso sexual con persona mayor
de doce (12) años y menor de dieciséis (16)", estableciéndose una agravación de pena cuando el
abuso consista en "acceso carnal, introducción de objetos o penetración bucal o anal". El sujeto
pasivo ha de ser un menor de doce (12) a quince (15) años (en la legislación anterior también se
protegía a los menores comprendidos entre los dieciséis (16) y dieciocho (18) años), y donde el
elemento característico del mismo es el engaño, tradicionalmente el engaño ha consistido en al falsa
promesa de matrimonio .
**
21. Sweden
A person committing rape (sexual intercourse or other comparable sexual act forced by violence or
serious threat) can be sentenced to imprisonment for at least two and at most six years. If the rape is
considered as aggravated rape the offender can be sentenced to imprisonment for at least four and at
most ten years. Rape perpetrated against a child is normally considered as aggravated rape.
Section 1 of the Swedish Penal Code
A person who, by violence or threat involving or appearing to the threatened person as imminent
danger, forces the latter to have sexual intercourse or to engage in a comparable sexual act, shall
be sentenced for rape to imprisonment for at least two and at most six years. Rendering the person
unconscious or otherwise placing the person in a similarly helpless state shall be regarded as
equivalent to violence.
If in view of the nature of the violence or the threat and the circumstances in other respects the
offence is considered less serious, a sentence to imprisonment for at most four years shall be
imposed.
If the offence is grave, a sentence to imprisonment for at least four and at most ten years shall be
imposed for aggravated rape. In judging whether the offence is grave, special consideration shall
be given to whether the violence involved a danger to life or whether the person who had committed
the act had inflicted serious injury or serious illness or, having regard to the method used or the
victim’s youth or otherwise, exhibited particular ruthlessness or brutality.
**
A person committing sexual coercion (sexual act forced by unlawful coercion that is not considered
as rape) can be sentenced to imprisonment for at most two years. If the crime is considered as
aggravated sexual coercion the offender can be sentenced to imprisonment for at least six months
and at most four years.
2
Section 2 of the Swedish Penal Code
A person who, under circumstances other than those mentioned in Section 1, by unlawful coercion
makes someone engage in a sexual act shall be sentenced for sexual coercion to imprisonment for
at most two years.
If the person who committed the act exhibited particular ruthlessness or if the offence is otherwise
considered grave, a sentence of at least six months and at most four years shall be imposed for
grave sexual coercion.
A person committing sexual exploitation (sexual act induced by gross abuse of the victim’s
dependency or by improperly taking advantage of the fact that the victim is unconscious or in other
helpless state or is suffering from a mental disturbance), can be sentenced to imprisonment for at
most two years. If the crime is considered as aggravated sexual exploitation with a minor the
offender can be sentenced to imprisonment for at least six months and at most six years.
Section 3 of the Swedish Penal Code
A person who induces another to engage in a sexual act by gross abuse of his or her dependency
shall be sentenced for sexual exploitation to imprisonment for at most two years. This also applies
to a person who engages in a sexual act with another by improperly taking advantage of the fact
that the latter is unconscious or in another helpless state or is suffering from a mental disturbance.
If the person who has committed the act has exhibited particular ruthlessness or if the offence is
otherwise considered to be grave, a sentence to imprisonment for at least six months and at most six
years shall be imposed for grave sexual exploitation.
A person committing sexual exploitation of a minor (sexual act with someone under eighteen (18)
years who is the offender’s offspring or stands under his responsibility or, otherwise than as
previously stated, a sexual act with someone under fifteen (15) years, can be sentenced to
imprisonment for at most four years. If the crime is considered as aggravated sexual exploitation
with a minor, the offender can be sentenced to imprisonment for at least two and at most eight
years.
Section 4 of the Swedish Penal Code
A person who engages in a sexual act with someone under eighteen (18) years of age and who is
that person’s offspring or for whose upbringing he is responsible, or whose care or supervision he
is responsible for by decision of a public authority, shall be sentenced for sexual exploitation of a
minor or imprisonment for at most four years. This also applies if a person, in circumstances other
than those mentioned previously in this Chapter, engages in a sexual act with a child under fifteen
(15) years.
If the person who committed the act exhibited particular lack of regard for the minor if the offence
by reason of the minor’s young age or otherwise is regarded as grave, a sentence of imprisonment
for at least two and at most eight years shall be imposed for grave sexual exploitation of a minor.
A person, otherwise than as previously stated, committing sexual intercourse with an offspring, can
be sentenced to imprisonment for at most two years. A person committing sexual intercourse with a
sibling, can be sentenced to imprisonment for at most one year.
Section 6 of the Swedish Penal Code
If a person, otherwise than as previously stated in this chapter, has sexual intercourse with his or
her own child or its offspring a sentence of imprisonment for at most two years shall be imposed for
sexual intercourse with an offspring.
A person who has sexual intercourse with his or her sibling of the whole blood shall be sentenced to
imprisonment for at most one year for sexual intercourse with a sibling.
The provisions of this section do not apply to a person who has been made to commit the act by
unlawful coercion or other improper means.
2
A person committing sexual molestation (to sexually touch a child under fifteen (15) years or
induce the child to undertake or take part in an act with sexual implications, inter alia to participate
in producing pornographic material, or with improper influence induce a person fifteen (15) to
seventeen (17) years old to take part in pornographic posing or in producing pornographic material)
can be sentenced to pay a fine or imprisonment for at most two years.
Section 7 of the Swedish Penal Code
A person who, otherwise than as previously stated in this Chapter, sexually touches a child under
fifteen years of age or induces the child to undertake or participate in an act with sexual
implication shall be sentenced to a fine or imprisonment for at most two years for sexual
molestation.
A sentence for sexual molestation shall also be imposed on a person who by coercion, seduction or
other improper influence induces a person who has attained the age of fifteen (15) years but not the
age of eighteen (18) years to undertake or participate in an act with sexual implication if the act is
part of the production of pornographic pictures or constitutes pornographic or constitutes
pornographic posing in circumstances other than those relating to the production o a picture.
This shall also apply if a person exposes himself to another in a manner apt to give offence or
otherwise behaves indecently toward the latter by word or deed that flagrantly violates a sense of
decency.
A person committing seduction of youth (by promising or giving compensation to obtain or try to
obtain casual intercourse with someone under eighteen (18) years) can be sentenced to pay a fine or
imprisonment for at most six months.
Section 10 of the Swedish Penal Code
A person who, by promising or giving compensation, obtains or tries to obtain casual sexual
relations with someone under eighteen (18) years of age, shall be sentenced for seduction of youth
to pay a fine or to imprisonment for at most six months.
Section 11 of the Swedish Penal Code
Liability prescribed by this chapter for an act committed against someone under a given age shall
be imposed even on an person who did not realise but had reasonable grounds for assuming that
the other had not attained such age.
Section 12 of the Swedish Penal Code
Liability shall be imposed as provided in Chapter 23 for attempt to commit rape, aggravated rape,
sexual coercion, aggravated sexual coercion, sexual exploitation, aggravated sexual exploitation,
sexual exploitation of a minor, aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, procuring and
aggravated procuring. This also applies to preparation for and conspiracy to commit rape,
aggravated rape, aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor and aggravated procuring.
Section 13 of the Swedish Penal Code
When, in the case of sexual exploitation of a minor as under Section 4, first paragraph, second
sentence or attempt to commit such an offence, or in the case of sexual molestation as under Section
7, first paragraph, there is little difference in age and development between the offender and the
child, public prosecution shall not occur unless it is called for in the public interest.
22. The Netherlands
Article 242 of the Penal Code
2
A person who by an act of violence or another act or by threat of violence or threat of another act
compels a person to submit to acts comprising or including sexual penetration of the body is guilty
of rape and liable to a term o imprisonment of not more than twelve years or a fine of the fifth
category.
**
Article 244 of the Penal Code
A person who, with a person who is under the age of twelve (12) performs acts comprising or
including sexual penetration of the body is liable to a term of imprisonment of not more than twelve
years or a fine of the fifth category.
Article 245 of the Penal Code
1. A person who, out of wedlock, with a person who has reached the age of twelve (12) but not yet
sixteen (16), performs indecent acts comprising or including sexual penetration of the body is liable
to a term of imprisonment of not more than eight years or a fine of the fifth category.
Article 246 of the Penal Code
A person who by an act of violence or another act or by threat of violence or threat of another act
compels another person to perform or to submit to indecent acts is guilty of indecent assault and is
liable to a term of imprisonment of not more than eight years or a fine of the fifth category.
Article 247 of the Penal Code
1. A person who, with a person whom he knows to be unconscious or physically unable to resist or
to be suffering from such a degree of mental defect or mental disease that he is incapable or not
sufficiently capable of exercising or expressing his will in the matter or of offering resistance,
performs indecent acts, or who, with a person who has not yet reached the age of sixteen (16) years,
out of wedlock, performs indecent acts, or by whom the latter is enticed into performing, or
submitting to such acts, out of wedlock, with a third party, is liable to a term of imprisonment of not
more than six years or a fine of the fourth category.
Article 248 of the Penal Code
1. Where serious bodily harm ensues as a result of any of the offences defined in articles 243 and
245-247, a term of imprisonment of not more than twelve years or a fine of the fifth category shall
be imposed.
2. Where death ensues as a result of any of the offences defined in articles 242-247, a term of
imprisonment of not more than fifteen years or a fine of the fifth category shall be imposed.
Article 248ter of the Penal Code
1. A person by whom, by means of gifts or promises of money or goods, by abusing the authority
arising form an existing relationship or by misrepresentation, a minor of good reputation, whom he
knows or should reasonably suspect to be a minor, is intentionally induced to engage in indecent
acts with him or to submit to his performing these is liable to a term of imprisonment of not more
than four years or a fine of the fourth category.
Article 249 of the Penal Code
1. A person who commits indecencies with his minor child, stepchild or foster-child, his ward, or
with a minor, a minor servant or subordinate entrusted to his care, instruction or supervision, is
liable to a term of imprisonment of not more than six years or a fine of the fourth category.
1.
The punishment in section 1 is also applicable to:
2.
a public servant who commits indecencies with a person submitted to his authority or
entrusted or commended to his supervision;
2
3.
a director, physician, teacher, public servant, supervisor or employee, in a prison, State
workhouse, State institution for the care and protection of children, an orphanage, hospital, or a
charitable institution, who commits indecencies with a person admitted to such institution;
4.
a person employed in the health care or social care sector, who commits indecencies with a
person who, as a patient of a client, has entrusted himself to his care or assistance.
Article 250 of the Penal Code
1. A person by whose agency the commission of indecencies with a third person by his minor child,
stepchild or foster-child, his ward, or by a minor, minor servant or subordinate entrusted to his
care, instruction or supervision is intentionally brought about or promoted is liable to a term of
imprisonment of not more than four years or a fine of the fourth category;
2. Where the offender commits the serious offence by custom, the terms of imprisonment may be
increased by one third.
Article 250bis of the Penal Code
A person who intentionally brings about or promotes, by profession or custom, the commission or
indecencies by others with third parties is liable to a term of imprisonment of not more than one
year or a fine of the third category.
23. The United Kingdom
‘Rape’, Section 1 of the 'Sexual Offences Act 1956'
(1) It is an offence for a man to rape a woman.
(2) A man who induces a married woman to have sexual intercourse with him by impersonating her
husband commits rape.
Mode of prosecution: on indictment
Punishment: imprisonment for life
Punishment for an attempt to commit this offence: imprisonment for life
For the purposes of Section 1 of the 'Sexual Offences Act 1956', a man commits rape if:
a) he has unlawful sexual intercourse with a woman who at the time of the intercourse does not
consent to it; and
b) at that time he knows that she does not consent to the intercourse or is reckless as to whether she
consents to it.
(Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1976, section 1)
**
‘Procurement of a woman by threats’, Section 2 of the 'Sexual Offences Act 1956'
(1) It is an offence for a person to procure a woman, by threats or intimidation, to have unlawful
sexual intercourse in any part of the world.
(2) A person shall not be convicted of an offence under this section on the evidence of one witness
only, unless the witness is corroborated in some material particular by evidence implicating the
accused.
‘Sexual intercourse with a girl under thirteen (13)’, Section 5 of the 'Sexual Offences Act
1956'
It is an offence for a man to have unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of thirteen
(13).
Mode of prosecution: on indictment
Punishment: imprisonment for life
An attempt to commit this offence is punishable with imprisonment not exceeding seven years.
This is a class 2 offence.
2
‘Sexual intercourse with a girl under sixteen (16)’, Section 6 of the 'Sexual Offences Act 1956'
(1) It is an offence, subject to the exceptions mentioned in this section, for a man to have unlawful
sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of sixteen (16).
(2) (...)
(3) A man is not guilty of an offence under this section because he has unlawful sexual intercourse
with a girl under the age of sixteen (16), if he is under the age of twenty-four (24) and has not
previously been charged with a like offence, and he believes her to be of the age of sixteen (16) or
over and has reasonable cause for the belief.
Mode of prosecution: on indictment; a prosecution may not be commenced more than twelve
months after the offence charged.
Punishment: imprisonment for 2 years
An attempt to commit this offence is punishable with two years of imprisonment.
‘Meaning of sexual intercourse’, Section 44 of the 'Sexual Offences Act 1956'
Where, on the trail of any offence under this Act, it is necessary to prove sexual intercourse
(whether natural or unnatural), it shall not be necessary to prove the completion of the intercourse
by the emission of seed, but the intercourse shall be deemed complete upon proof of penetration
only.
‘Incest by a man’, Section 10 of the 'Sexual Offences Act 1956'
'(1) It is an offence for a man to have sexual intercourse with a woman whom he knows to be his
grand-daughter, daughter, sister or mother.
(2) In the foregoing subsection 'sister' includes half-sister and for the purposes of that subsection
any expression importing a relationship between two people shall be taken to apply notwithstanding
that the relationship is not traced through lawful wedlock.'
Mode of prosecution: on indictment; a prosecution may not be commenced except by or with the
consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Punishment: If with a girl under thirteen (13), and so charged in the indictment, imprisonment for
life; otherwise seven years.
Punishment for an attempt to commit this offence: If with a girl under thirteen (13) who is stated to
have been so in the indictment, seven years of imprisonment; otherwise two years.
‘Incest by a woman’, Section 11 of the 'Sexual Offences Act 1956'
'(1) It is an offence for a woman of the age of sixteen (16) or over to permit a man whom she knows
to be her grandfather, father, brother or son to have sexual intercourse with her by her consent.
(2) In the forgoing subsection 'brother' includes half-brother, and for the purpose of that subsection
any expression importing a relationship between two people shall be taken to apply notwithstanding
that the relationship is not traced through lawful wedlock.'
Mode of prosecution: on indictment; a prosecution may not be commenced except by or with the
consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Punishment: imprisonment for 7 years
Punishment for an attempt to commit this offence: imprisonment for 2 years
‘Buggery’, Section 12 of the 'Sexual Offences Act 1956'
(1) It is an offence for a person to commit buggery with another person or with an animal.
Mode of prosecution: on indictment
Punishment: If with a boy under the age of sixteen (16) or with a woman or animal, imprisonment
for life.
Punishment for an attempt to commit this offence: If with a boy under the age of sixteen (16) or with
a woman or animal, ten years.
3
‘Gross indecency’, Section 13 of the 'Sexual Offences Act 1956'
It is an offence for a man to commit an act of gross indecency with another man, whether in public
or private, or to be a party to the commission by a man of an act of gross indecency with another
man, or to procure the commission by a man of an act of gross indecency with another man.
Mode of prosecution: on indictment
Punishment: If committed by a man of or over the age of twenty-one (21) with a man under that
age, five years of imprisonment; otherwise two years.
Punishment for an attempt to procure the commission by a man of an act of gross indecency with
another man: If the attempt is committed by a man of or over the age of twenty-one (21), to procure
a man under that age to commit an act of gross indecency with another man, imprisonment for five
years; otherwise 2 years.
‘Indecent assault on a woman’, Section 14 of the 'Sexual Offences Act 1956'
(1) It is an offence, subject to the exception mentioned in subsection (3) of this section, for a person
to make an indecent assault on woman.
(2) A girl under the age of sixteen (16) cannot in law give any consent which would prevent an act
being an assault for the purposes of this section.
(3)-(4) (...)'
Mode of prosecution: on indictment
Punishment: imprisonment for 10 years
‘Indecent assault on a man’, Section 15 of the 'Sexual Offences Act 1956'
(1) It is an offence for a person to make an indecent assault on a man.
(2) A boy under the age of sixteen (16) cannot in law give any consent which would prevent an act
being an assault for the purposes of this section.
(3)-(5) (...)'
Mode of prosecution: on indictment
Punishment: imprisonment for 10 years
‘Abduction’, Section 17 of the 'Sexual Offences Act 1956'
(1) It is an offence for a person to take away or detain a woman against her will with the intention
that she shall marry or have unlawful sexual intercourse with that or any other person, if she is so
taken away or detained either by force or for the sake for her property or expectations of property.
(2) (...)
‘Abduction of an unmarried girl under eighteen (18) from parent or guardian’, Section 19 of
the 'Sexual Offences Act 1956'
(1) It is an offence, subject to the exception mentioned in this section, for a person to take an
unmarried girl under the age of eighteen (18) out of the possession of her parent or guardian
against his will, if she is taken with the intention that she shall have unlawful sexual intercourse
with men or with a particular man.
(2) A person is not guilty of an offence under this section because he takes such a girl out of the
possession of her parent or guardian as mentioned above, if he believes her to be of the age of
eighteen (18) or over and has reasonable cause for the belief.
(3) In this section 'guardian' means any person having the parental responsibility for or care of the
girl.
Mode of prosecution: on indictment
Punishment: imprisonment for 2 years
3
‘Abduction of an unmarried girl under sixteen (16) from parent or guardian’, Section 20 of
the 'Sexual Offences Act 1956'
(1) It is an offence for a person acting without lawful authority or excuse to take an unmarried girl
under the age of sixteen (16) out of the possession of her parent or guardian against his will.
(2) In the foregoing subsection 'guardian' means any person having parental responsibility for or
care of the girl.
Mode of prosecution: on indictment
Punishment: imprisonment for 2 years
Indecency with children under fourteen (14)’, Section 1 (1) of the 'Indecency with Children
Act'
'(1) Any person who commits an act of gross indecency with or towards a child under the age of
fourteen (14), or who incites a child under that age to such an act with him or another shall be
liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or on
summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, to a fine not exceeding
the prescribed sum, or to both.
3
3