Under Age Sex

[scoobydooby]

Does anyone know how likely it would be for a 16 year old boy to be prosecuted for having sex with his 15 year old girlfriend? Their relationship lasted for well over a year and they were having sex when they were both 15.

[pinktwink]

it would depend on whether and what she makes in a statement to the garda . It also depends where you live as in UK or Ireland

[Ethel]

Highly unlikely, unless she has 'special needs' to the extent of not understanding what was going on or is very easily led due to 'special needs'.

[Ethel]

Don't forget she committed the offence as well - he would have been underage when they started having intercourse

[corbsy]

actually, if the girl wanted to prosecute, she can...after all, its illegal for any age man to sleep with a women under the age of 16! Regardless of whether they were together, the law is the law

[Ethel]

No, she can't. The police would refer her official complaint to the CPS who would decide whether or not it would be in the public interest to prosecute, amongst other things.

It's not for her to decide whether he would be prosecuted or not. He could say she influenced him, and press charges against her.

[scoobydooby]

So, a girl and boy both of 15 years can have a sexual relationship and continue to do so when the boy turns 16. However, the relationship breaks down and the girl then decides to prosecute the ex boyfriend for having sex with her under age?? Doesn't sound right to me! Surely the CPS wouldn't entertain this?

[scoobydooby]

Oops, got that in before seeing Ethel's reply.

[corbsy]

ok thats on the basis that the police wanted to take it further...out of public interest the cps can stop the police, the cps can stop the parents though...under age sex is illegal fact, dont like it look it up

[pinktwink]

no scooby the law is the law. I assume it is in the UK you live whereby it is illegal to have sex with a female under 16 there is a possibility the male could be prosecuted and in some instances they are. ?It depends on statements etc. The matter would also be referred to social services

[corbsy]

cant stop the parents

[corbsy]

then again, you as a parent could be prosecuted for aiding and abbetting under age sex if you knew about it!

[Ethel]

It's illegal to have sex with a boy under 16 too.

But if all the 15 year olds having sex were prosecuted, the courts would be full and the sex offenders' register would be never ending. I am not saying I agree with young people of that age having sex, but I know it goes on and has done since time began.

It's doubtful it would even be reported to the social services.

[scoobydooby]

Corbsy. You don't actually know anything do you? Second guessing maybe? Leave the answers to Ethel and the other professionals. 'The CPS can stop the police'. Can you please explain to me what happens if the CPS choose not to 'stop the police'. In this case, who do you think proceeds with a prosecution?

[pinktwink]

all matters involving underage sex are referred to social services I work there!

[scoobydooby]

And so they should be but that doesn't necessarily mean a prosecution will follow. Ethel has answered my question in full. thank you Ethel. Font of all knowledge as usual.

[pinktwink]

scooby you are being selective in choosing what to hear . As a team manager in child protection it is the case that some cases of underage sex are prosecuted whether rightly or wrongly isnt the issue it is a reality and it is a crime.

[Ethel]

Any parent of a girl in the circumstances you describe would be very wrong to push for prosecution, assuming the girl was just as willing.

If it did get to court (very unlikely) the girl would have to stand in the dock and give evidence. Her reputation would be shredded by the defence and it would be more harrowing than the relationship itself.
This wouldn't happen in a week - it would happen months after giving statements to the police, possibly psychiatric and social services reports, reports from her school teachers and muck raking evidence from her school friends.
This at a time when she should be studying for her exams and planning her future.

Really, the parents should help the girl not view herself as a victim, but come to terms with her feelings so she deal with the break up of her first proper relationship and get on with her life.

I sincerely hope this is the option the parents take. It is incredibly difficult to come to terms with the fact that your child is sexually active but now is the time to make sure she understands how to look after herself both emotionally and physically, and fully understands contraception and sexual health.

[corbsy]

as a matter of fact i do know what i am talking about, they can get prosecuted fact, if you dont like it or choose not to believe it, then be ignorant, it doesnt really bother me!

[shaunzy]

god, i broke my virginity when i was 14 to my boyfriend who was 17 and the thought that it was illegal or to press charges didnt even cross my mind or my mothers who was aware we were sexually active. i mean, girls are more mentally advanced than boys anyways around teenage years.

[shaunzy]

oh and id like to add, we were both fully aware of the risks and used protection