Explanatory Memorandum

Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 2008

2008 No. 1769

7.Policy Background

The Provisions

Part 3 – Sexual offences against children
Rape and other offences against children under 13
Article 12: Rape of a child under 13

7.39.Article 12 makes it an offence for a person intentionally to penetrate with his penis the vagina, anus or mouth of a child under the age of 13. Whether or not the child consented to this act is irrelevant.