Explanatory Memorandum

Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 2008

2008 No. 1769

7.Policy Background

The Provisions

Part 3 – Sexual offences against children
Assault
Article 14: Sexual assault of a child under 13

7.41.Article 14 makes it an offence for a person to touch sexually a child under the age of 13. The meanings of "touching" and "sexual" are the same as for Article 7. Whether or not the child consented to the act is irrelevant.