3. Sexual Offences Against Adults (Victoria)¶
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) unless otherwise noted. Extracted from the "Sex Offences Proforma Answers" study notes. SS = standard sentence; SORA = Sex Offenders Registration Act 2004 (Vic) class; SA Category = Sentencing Act 1991 (Vic) offence category. Penalty markers are reproduced ONLY where the notes state them. — = not stated in the notes (see footnote).
Rape and sexual assault (Subdiv 8A, ss 38–42)¶
| Section | Offence | Brief elements | Penalty / SS / SORA |
|---|---|---|---|
| s 38 | Rape | (1) A intentionally sexually penetrates B (s 35A); (2) B does not consent (s 36, s 36AA); (3) A does not reasonably believe B consents (s 36A — affirmative-consent deeming s 36A(2); intoxication s 36B; JDA s 47). | Level 2 (25 years) SA category 1 – SS 10 years SORA: not registrable where the victim is an adult; Class 1 only where the victim is a child (SORA Sch 1 item 1) Category (Sentencing Act): Category 1 (Sentencing Act 1991 s 3 def, para (d)) Standard sentence: SS 10 years (Crimes Act s 38(3)) — confirmed Serious offender — serious sexual offence (Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1): YES (Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1 cl 1(a)(i)) |
| s 39 | Rape by compelling sexual penetration | (1) A intentionally causes B to sexually penetrate A / self / C / an animal, or to be penetrated by C / an animal (s 35A; “causes” not limited to compulsion — Khun v The King); (2) B does not consent (s 36, s 36AA); (3) A does not reasonably believe B consents (s 36A, s 36B). | Level 2 (25 years) No SS SORA: not registrable where the victim is an adult; Class 1 only where the victim is a child (SORA Sch 1 item 1) Category (Sentencing Act): Category 1 (Sentencing Act 1991 s 3 def, para (e)) Serious offender — serious sexual offence (Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1): only where the victim is a child (Sch 1 cl 1(a)(ia)); NOT a serious sexual offence where the victim is an adult |
| s 40 | Sexual assault | (1) A intentionally touches B (s 35B(1)); (2) the touching is sexual (s 35B(2); AB v Paulet); (3) B does not consent (s 36, s 36AA); (4) A does not reasonably believe B consents (s 36A, s 36B). Medical/hygienic exception s 48A; mistake as to sexual nature excluded s 48B. | Level 5 (10 years) No SS SORA: not registrable where the victim is an adult; Class 2 only where the victim is a child (SORA Sch 2 item 1) Category (Sentencing Act): not a category 1 or 2 offence Serious offender — serious sexual offence (Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1): YES (Sch 1 cl 1(a)(ii)) |
| s 42 | Assault with intent to commit a sexual offence | (1) A intentionally applies force to B (s 42(4)–(5); s 42(3) even if B unaware); (2) B does not consent (s 36); (3) A intends B take part in a sexual act (s 35C); (4) A does not reasonably believe B would consent to that act (s 42(3A); intoxication s 36B). Mistake as to sexual nature excluded s 48B. | Level 4 (15 years) SORA: not registrable where the victim is an adult; Class 2 only where the victim is a child (SORA Sch 2 item 2) Category (Sentencing Act): not a category 1 or 2 offence Standard sentence: no standard sentence Serious offender — serious sexual offence (Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1): YES (Sch 1 cl 1(a)(iii)) |
Procuring, abduction and related sexual offences (Subdiv 8A, ss 44–48)¶
| Section | Offence | Brief elements | Penalty / SS / SORA |
|---|---|---|---|
| s 44 | Procuring a sexual act by threat | (1) A threatens harm of any kind to B / another / an animal (s 44(3)); (2) A intends, or believes B will probably believe, A will cause that harm; (3) as a result B or another takes part in a sexual act (s 35C; s 44(4)); (4) A intends that result. (Threat ordinarily vitiates consent — DPP v Yeong.) | Level 5 / 10 yrs SORA: not registrable where the victim is an adult; Class 2 only where the victim is a child (SORA Sch 2 item 3) Category (Sentencing Act): not a category 1 or 2 offence Standard sentence: no standard sentence Serious offender — serious sexual offence (Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1): YES (Sch 1 cl 1(a)(xv)) |
| s 45 | Procuring a sexual act by fraud | (1) A makes a false or misleading representation (s 45(3), incl by omission); (2) A knows it is, or probably is, false or misleading; (3) as a result B takes part in a sexual act (s 35C); (4) A intends that result. | Level 6 / 5 yrs / not SS SORA: not registrable where the victim is an adult; Class 2 only where the victim is a child (SORA Sch 2 item 3A) Category (Sentencing Act): not a category 1 or 2 offence Standard sentence: no standard sentence Serious offender — serious sexual offence (Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1): YES (Sch 1 cl 1(a)(xva)) |
| s 46 | Administration of an intoxicating substance for a sexual purpose | (1) A administers / causes B to take / causes C to administer an intoxicating substance to B (s 46(3)); (2) A intends to impair B’s capacity to give, withhold or withdraw consent; (3) A intends to facilitate B taking part in a sexual act (s 35C). Preparatory offence — the sexual act need not occur (cf R v O’Connor). | Level 5 / 10 yrs / not SS SORA: not registrable where the victim is an adult; Class 2 only where the victim is a child (SORA Sch 2 item 4) Category (Sentencing Act): not a category 1 or 2 offence Standard sentence: no standard sentence Serious offender — serious sexual offence (Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1): YES (Sch 1 cl 1(a)(xii)) |
| s 47 | Abduction or detention for a sexual purpose | (1) A takes away or detains B, or causes another to do so (R v Fetherston); (2) B does not consent to the taking/detention (s 36; s 36AA application contestable); (3) A knows, or knows B probably does not consent; (4) A intends B take part in a sexual act (s 35C) or that A/C marry B. | Level 5 / 10 yrs / not SS SORA: not registrable where the victim is an adult; Class 2 only where the victim is a child (SORA Sch 2 item 4A) Category (Sentencing Act): not a category 1 or 2 offence Standard sentence: no standard sentence Serious offender — serious sexual offence (Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1): YES (Sch 1 cl 1(a)(xiii)) |
| s 48 | Sexual activity directed at another person | (1) A engages in an activity; (2) the activity is sexual (s 35D); (3) B sees the activity or part of it; (4) A knows B will, or probably will, see it; (5) A intends B experience fear or distress, or knows B will/probably will. Mistake as to sexual nature excluded s 48B. | Level 6 / 5 yrs / not SS SORA: not registrable where the victim is an adult; Class 2 only where the victim is a child (SORA Sch 2 item 5) Category (Sentencing Act): not a category 1 or 2 offence Standard sentence: no standard sentence Serious offender — serious sexual offence (Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1): No — s 48 is not listed in Sch 1 cl 1 (not a serious sexual offence) |
Sexual offences against persons with a cognitive impairment or mental illness (ss 52B–52E)¶
| Section | Offence | Brief elements | Penalty / SS / SORA |
|---|---|---|---|
| s 52B | Sexual penetration of a person with a cognitive impairment or mental illness | (1) A intentionally sexually penetrates B, or causes/allows penetration (s 35A); (2) B has a cognitive impairment or mental illness (s 52A); (3) A provides treatment/support services to B, or is a worker for a provider that does (s 52A). Consent not in issue. Defences ss 52F–52J; mistakes excluded s 52K. | Level 5 / 10 yrs / not SS SORA: not registrable where the victim is an adult; Class 1 only where the victim is a child (SORA Sch 1 item 1) Category (Sentencing Act): not a category 1 or 2 offence Standard sentence: no standard sentence Serious offender — serious sexual offence (Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1): YES (Sch 1 cl 1(a)(x)) |
| s 52C | Sexual assault of a person with a cognitive impairment or mental illness | (1) A intentionally touches B, or causes/allows touching (s 35B(1)); (2) B has a cognitive impairment/mental illness (s 52A); (3) A provides treatment/support services / is a worker (s 52A); (4) the touching is sexual (s 35B(2)); (5) contrary to community standards (s 52C(3)–(4); consent irrelevant s 52C(4)(b)). Defences ss 52G–52J; s 52K. | Level 6 / 5 yrs / not SS SORA: not registrable where the victim is an adult; Class 2 only where the victim is a child (SORA Sch 2 item 16A) Category (Sentencing Act): not a category 1 or 2 offence Standard sentence: no standard sentence Serious offender — serious sexual offence (Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1): YES (Sch 1 cl 1(a)(xa)) |
| s 52D | Sexual activity in the presence of a person with a cognitive impairment or mental illness | (1) A intentionally engages in an activity; (2) the activity is sexual (s 35D); (3) B is present, incl by electronic communication (Case v The King); (4) A knows B is, or probably is, present; (5) B has a cognitive impairment/mental illness (s 52A); (6) A provides treatment/support services / is a worker; (7) contrary to community standards (s 52D(3)–(4)). Defences ss 52G–52J; s 52K. | Level 6 / 5 yrs / not SS SORA: not registrable where the victim is an adult; Class 2 only where the victim is a child (SORA Sch 2 item 17) Category (Sentencing Act): not a category 1 or 2 offence Standard sentence: no standard sentence Serious offender — serious sexual offence (Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1): YES (Sch 1 cl 1(a)(xb)) |
| s 52E | Causing a person with a cognitive impairment or mental illness to be present during sexual activity | (1) B engages in an activity; (2) the activity is sexual (s 35D); (3) C is present, incl electronically (s 52E(5)–(7)); (4) A intentionally causes/allows C to be present; (5) C has a cognitive impairment/mental illness (s 52A); (6) A provides treatment/support services / is a worker for C; (7) contrary to community standards (s 52E(3)–(4)). Defences ss 52G–52J; s 52K. | Level 6 / 5 yrs / not SS SORA: not registrable where the victim is an adult; Class 2 only where the victim is a child (SORA Sch 2 item 17A) Category (Sentencing Act): not a category 1 or 2 offence Standard sentence: no standard sentence Serious offender — serious sexual offence (Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1): YES (Sch 1 cl 1(a)(xc)) |
Incest — between adults (Subdiv 8C, ss 50C–50F)¶
| Section | Offence | Brief elements | Penalty / SS / SORA |
|---|---|---|---|
| s 50C | Sexual penetration of a child or lineal descendant | (1) A intentionally sexually penetrates B, or causes/allows penetration (s 35A); (2) prescribed family relationship — child or lineal descendant (s 50A; presumption s 50B); (3) A knows the relationship (presumption s 50B(a)). Consent not a defence (s 50K); s 50G; s 50H; R v MG. | Level 2 / 25 yrs — SS 10 yrs only where B under 18; not SS where B an adult SORA: not registrable where the victim is an adult; Class 1 only where the victim is a child (SORA Sch 1 item 1) Category (Sentencing Act): Category 1 only where the victim was under 18 (Sentencing Act 1991 s 3 def, para (h)); otherwise not a category offence Standard sentence: SS 10 years where the victim was under 18 (Crimes Act s 50C(3)) — confirmed; no standard sentence where the victim is an adult Serious offender — serious sexual offence (Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1): YES (Sch 1 cl 1(a)(iv)) |
| s 50D | Sexual penetration of a step-child | (1) A intentionally sexually penetrates B, or causes/allows penetration (s 35A); (2) B is A’s step-child (s 50A); (3) A knows the relationship (s 50B). Consent not a defence (s 50K); s 50G; s 50H; step-child exception s 50I. | Level 2 / 25 yrs — SS 10 yrs only where B under 18; not SS where B an adult SORA: not registrable where the victim is an adult; Class 1 only where the victim is a child (SORA Sch 1 item 1) Category (Sentencing Act): Category 1 only where the victim was under 18 (Sentencing Act 1991 s 3 def, para (i)); otherwise not a category offence Standard sentence: SS 10 years where the victim was under 18 (Crimes Act s 50D(3)) — confirmed; no standard sentence where the victim is an adult Serious offender — serious sexual offence (Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1): YES (Sch 1 cl 1(a)(iva)) |
| s 50E | Sexual penetration of a parent, lineal ancestor or step-parent | (1) A intentionally sexually penetrates B, or causes/allows penetration (s 35A); (2) A is 18 or older; (3) B is A’s parent, lineal ancestor or step-parent (s 50A); (4) A knows the relationship (presumption s 50B). Consent not a defence (s 50K); s 50G; s 50H; step-parent exceptions s 50J. | Level 6 / 5 yrs / not SS SORA: not registrable where the victim is an adult; Class 1 only where the victim is a child (SORA Sch 1 item 1) Category (Sentencing Act): not a category 1 or 2 offence Standard sentence: no standard sentence Serious offender — serious sexual offence (Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1): No — s 50E is not listed in Sch 1 cl 1 (not a serious sexual offence) |
| s 50F | Sexual penetration of a sibling or half-sibling | (1) A intentionally sexually penetrates B, or causes/allows penetration (s 35A); (2) B is A’s sibling or half-sibling (s 50A); (3) A knows the relationship (s 50B; strict proof — R v Umanski). Consent not a defence (s 50K); s 50G; s 50H. | Level 6 / 5 yrs / not SS SORA: not registrable where the victim is an adult; Class 1 only where the victim is a child (SORA Sch 1 item 1) Category (Sentencing Act): not a category 1 or 2 offence Standard sentence: no standard sentence (Crimes Act s 50F — Level 6, no standard-sentence subsection) Serious offender — serious sexual offence (Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1): YES (Sch 1 cl 1(a)(ivb)), except where both people are adults and each consented |
Sexual servitude / commercial sexual services (Subdiv 8F, ss 53B–53E)¶
| Section | Offence | Brief elements | Penalty / SS / SORA |
|---|---|---|---|
| s 53B | Using force, threat etc. to cause a person to provide commercial sexual services | (1) A uses force / threat / unlawful detention / fraud or misrepresentation / manifestly excessive debt against B or another (defs s 53A); (2) thereby causes B to provide or continue commercial sexual services (s 35(1)), or to not be free to leave; (3) A intends, or knows it will/probably will, cause that. Reasonable-grounds exception for detrimental-action threats (s 53A). | Level 4 / 15 yrs / not SS — aggravated form (B under 18) s 53E: Level 3 / 20 yrs SORA: not a registrable offence (not listed in the SORA Schedules) Category (Sentencing Act): not a category 1 or 2 offence Standard sentence: no standard sentence Serious offender — serious sexual offence (Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1): YES (Sch 1 cl 1(a)(xvia)) |
| s 53C | Causing a person to provide commercial sexual services in circumstances involving sexual servitude | (1) A causes or induces B to provide/continue commercial sexual services (s 35(1)); (2) B is not free to stop or leave because A or C engages in specified coercive acts against B or D (s 53C(1)(b); defs s 53A); (3) A knows the conduct will/probably will cause that. Reasonable-grounds exception (s 53A). | Level 4 / 15 yrs / not SS — aggravated form (B under 18) s 53E: Level 3 / 20 yrs SORA: not a registrable offence (not listed in the SORA Schedules) Category (Sentencing Act): not a category 1 or 2 offence Standard sentence: no standard sentence Serious offender — serious sexual offence (Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1): YES (Sch 1 cl 1(a)(xviab)) |
| s 53D | Conducting a business in circumstances involving sexual servitude | (1) A conducts a business (s 53D(3): manage / control / finance) involving B providing commercial sexual services (s 35(1)); (2) B is not free to stop or leave because A or C engages in specified coercive acts against B or D (s 53D(1)(b); defs s 53A); (3) A knows the conduct will/probably will cause that. | Level 4 / 15 yrs / not SS — aggravated form (B under 18) s 53E: Level 3 / 20 yrs SORA: not a registrable offence (not listed in the SORA Schedules) Category (Sentencing Act): not a category 1 or 2 offence Standard sentence: no standard sentence Serious offender — serious sexual offence (Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1): YES (Sch 1 cl 1(a)(xviac)) |
| s 53E | Aggravated sexual servitude | Aggravated form of an offence against s 53B, s 53C or s 53D where (1) the person is under 18, and (2) A knows or probably knows the person is under 18. | Level 3 / 20 yrs / not SS SORA: Class 1 — registrable (SORA Sch 1 item 6AA; applies regardless of the victim's age) Category (Sentencing Act): not a category 1 or 2 offence Standard sentence: no standard sentence Serious offender — serious sexual offence (Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1): YES (Sch 1 cl 1(a)(xvib)) |
Intimate images (Subdiv 8E, ss 53R–53T)¶
| Section | Offence | Brief elements | Penalty / SS / SORA |
|---|---|---|---|
| s 53R | Production of an intimate image | (1) A intentionally produces an image depicting B (produce — s 53O); (2) the image is an intimate image (s 53O); (3) A knows it is, or probably is, intimate; (4) production is contrary to community standards (s 53U). Consent exception s 53R(3) (B not a child); consent ss 53P–53Q; mistake excluded s 53V(a); DPP consent if A under 16 (s 53W). | 3 yrs / no SS SORA: not a registrable offence (not listed in the SORA Schedules) Category (Sentencing Act): not a category 1 or 2 offence Standard sentence: no standard sentence Serious offender — serious sexual offence (Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1): No (not listed in Sch 1 cl 1) |
| s 53S | Distribution of an intimate image | (1) A intentionally distributes an image depicting B (distribute — s 53O); (2) intimate image (s 53O); (3) A knows it is, or probably is, intimate; (4) distribution contrary to community standards (s 53U). Consent exception s 53S(3); prior-public-distribution exception s 53S(4); consent ss 53P–53Q; mistake excluded s 53V(b); DPP consent if A under 16 (s 53W). | 3 yrs / no SS SORA: not a registrable offence (not listed in the SORA Schedules) Category (Sentencing Act): not a category 1 or 2 offence Standard sentence: no standard sentence Serious offender — serious sexual offence (Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1): No (not listed in Sch 1 cl 1) |
| s 53T | Threat to distribute an intimate image | (1) A makes to B a threat to distribute an intimate image of B or another (threat s 53T(3); image s 53O); (2) the distribution would be contrary to community standards (s 53U); (3) A intends, or believes B will probably believe, A will carry out the threat. Mistake excluded s 53V©; DPP consent if A under 16 (s 53W). | 3 yrs / no SS SORA: not a registrable offence (not listed in the SORA Schedules) Category (Sentencing Act): not a category 1 or 2 offence Standard sentence: no standard sentence Serious offender — serious sexual offence (Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1): No (not listed in Sch 1 cl 1) |
Bestiality (Subdiv 8G, s 54A)¶
| Section | Offence | Brief elements | Penalty / SS / SORA |
|---|---|---|---|
| s 54A | Bestiality | (1) A sexually penetrates an animal, or causes/allows an animal to sexually penetrate A (s 35A(3)–(5); “animal” s 35(1)); (2) A engages in the conduct intentionally. Exception — good-faith veterinary, agricultural or scientific research procedure (s 54B). | Level 6 / 5 yrs / no SS SORA: Class 2 — registrable (SORA Sch 2 item 18A; applies regardless of the victim's age) Category (Sentencing Act): not a category 1 or 2 offence Standard sentence: no standard sentence Serious offender — serious sexual offence (Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1): YES (Sch 1 cl 1(a)(xvie)) |
Summary sexual offences (Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic))¶
| Section | Offence | Brief elements | Penalty / SS / SORA |
|---|---|---|---|
| s 19 SOA | Sexual exposure (formerly wilful and obscene exposure) | (1) A exposes (to any extent) their genitals (s 19(7)); (2) A intended to expose; (3) the exposure was sexual (s 19(5)–(6) — not sexual merely because genitals exposed); (4) in, or within view of, a public place (s 3). Mistake as to sexual nature excluded s 19(3); defence of honest/reasonable mistake as to public place s 19(4) (intoxication s 322T Crimes Act). | Summary / Level 7 / 2 yrs SORA: not a registrable offence (not listed in the SORA Schedules) Category (Sentencing Act): not a category 1 or 2 offence (Summary Offences Act 1966) Standard sentence: no standard sentence Serious offender — serious sexual offence (Sentencing Act 1991 Sch 1): No (Summary Offences Act; not listed in Sch 1 cl 1) |
† The proforma notes do not state a maximum penalty or standard-sentence status for rape (s 38), rape by compelling sexual penetration (s 39), sexual assault (s 40) or assault with intent to commit a sexual offence (s 42). These markers have been left as “not stated” rather than inferred — confirm and supply if needed.
SORA class (Sex Offenders Registration Act 2004 (Vic)) and Sentencing Act 1991 (Vic) offence category (Category 1 / 2) are NOT recorded for any offence because the notes do not state them. Do not read the absence as “unclassed” — it means “not stated in the source”. Supply these from the SORA Schedules and Sentencing Act s 3 / Sch 1 to complete the list.
The notes’ entry on the “Effect of intoxication” (s 36B) is a fault-element doctrine, not a chargeable offence, and has been excluded from this list (it is captured inline in the rape and sexual assault rows).
27 chargeable offence provisions across 8 offence families (Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) Subdivs 8A–8G; plus Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic) s 19). Penalty markers reproduced only where the notes state them.