The Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 2008

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order makes provision about sexual offences.

Part 2 makes provision for the offences of rape, assault by penetration, sexual assault and causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.

Part 3 makes provision about sexual offences against children. Part 4 makes provision about sexual offences against a person with a mental disorder. Part 5 makes provision about prostitution. Part 6 makes provision about other sexual offences.

The Order abolishes the common law offence of rape, and repeals various provisions, including provisions of Part 1 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, which are superseded by the offences created by the Order.