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Other sexual offences
On the Consent and the Law page , we covered some of the most serious sexual offences like rape and sexual assault, which come with the toughest punishments. But these aren’t the only sexual acts that are against the law. Here, we’re breaking down some of the lesser known but still common acts that are also illegal.
Stealthing
This happens when someone takes off a condom during sex without the other person knowing or pretends to use one when they didn’t.
in England, Wales, and Scotland, ‘stealthing’ is illegal, though the laws vary slightly
legally, ‘stealthing’ is considered rape in the UK, even though ‘stealthing’ is just a slang term
it’s a very serious offence, with a possible life sentence
maximum penalty: life imprisonment
UK Law: Sexual Offences Act 2003, Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009
Cyber Flashing
This is when someone sends a photo or video of their genitals (often called a ‘dick pic’) without the other person’s consent.
cyber flashing was recently made a criminal offence in the UK, and the first conviction happened in February 2024
even if someone just shows you the image without sending it, it still counts as cyber flashing
maximum penalty: 2-year prison sentence
UK Law: Online Safety Act 2023, Sexual Offences Act 2003
Indecent Exposure (Flashing)
This is when someone deliberately exposes their genitals in public for sexual kicks or to shock or upset someone. Legally, it’s known as ‘exposure,’ and it’s a pretty common crime in the UK.
indecent exposure is illegal in the UK, and even if someone claims it was just a joke, it’s still a serious offence. It doesn’t matter where or when it happens.
maximum penalty: 2-year prison sentence
UK Law: Sexual Offences Act 2003
Intimate Image Abuse (Revenge Porn)
This is when someone shares a private sexual photo or video of someone else (like sending it to others or posting it online) without their consent.
whether the person did it to hurt someone or for their own pleasure, if it’s done without consent, it’s illegal in the UK
even just threatening to share such an image or video is a crime
maximum penalty: 2-year prison sentence
UK Law: Online Safety Act 2023
Sexual Harassment
This is when someone engages in unwanted sexual behaviour that makes another person feel upset, scared, offended, or humiliated.
harassing someone in public because of their sex can get you up to 2 years in prison. This is a new offence in the UK as of 2023.
sexual harassment isn’t a standalone crime in the UK, but many behaviours that fall under harassment can be prosecuted under other laws.
the Equality Act 2010 defines sexual harassment as any unwanted sexual behaviour that violates someone’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. This definition only applies in places like schools, workplaces, and public transport.
some examples include: ‘cat-calling, sexual gestures, leering or suggestive looks, sexual jokes or innuendos, unwanted sexual advances or flirting, sexual requests or asking for sexual favours
maximum penalty: 2-year prison sentence (or varied by behaviour)
UK Law: Protection from Sex-based Harassment in Public Act 2023, Equality Act 2010, Sexual Offences Act 2003
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
This is the illegal practice of partially or completely removing the external female genitals for non-medical reasons.
FGM is a serious crime in the UK and is recognised globally as a violation of human rights
it’s sometimes referred to as ‘female circumcision,’ but that term is misleading and incorrect
no matter the age of the person, FGM is always illegal
maximum penalty: 14-year prison sentence
UK Law: Offence of Female Genital Mutilations Act 2003
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