Is There a Difference Between Sexual Assault and Sexual Interference?

Under Canadian law, there is a big difference between sexual assault and sexual interference, and the two crimes have an important distinction: the age of the victim. In today’s blog article, we’ll look at the difference between the two crimes.

Sexual Assault 

Sexual assault is whenever sexual contact happens and both persons have not given consent.

If someone cannot give consent because they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or handicapped, that is still sexual assault. If someone is persuaded to have sexual activity by someone with influence or power over him or her, then that is still sexual assault. 

It is also sexual assault if the victim was threatened by someone if he or she did not participate in sexual activity. It is also sexual assault if one asked repeatedly for it to stop, but it continued. 

Sexual assault may be an indictable offence or it may be punishable on summary conviction. 

Sexual Interference 

Sexual interference is similar to sexual assault except that the victim is under 16 years of age. 

Because sexual interference involves a child, it is a particularly serious crime, and the penalties are heavy. Crown counsel decides if the case will be pursued as an indictable offence or an offence punishable on summary conviction.

Sex crimes can be committed by people one knows or is related to, by strangers, or by people who have power over the victim.

If you are the victim of sexual assault or sexual interference, call 9-1-1 as soon as possible.

If you have been charged with the crime of sexual assault or sexual interference, hire an experienced criminal lawyer at your earliest convenience. These are the types of crimes that ruin people’s reputations and can have long-reaching personal implications if you are found guilty. Call the best criminal lawyer you can find, like Michael Bloom in Vancouver. 

Do not make any statements to police until you have spoken with your lawyer. You have that right. If you need an experienced criminal lawyer in Vancouver, call Michael Bloom at (604) 603-5513.

Michael Bloom is a very experienced criminal defence lawyer, who started his career as a Crown Prosecutor. 

If you have any questions about this article or would like to schedule a free consultation with Mr. Bloom, please call his office at (604) 603-5513 or Toll-Free at (877) 603-5513.