Indecent assault or gross indecency
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Indecent assault is defined by law as any unwanted sexual behaviour or touching which is forced upon people against their will.
The meaning of indecency depends upon prevailing views of what is unacceptable behaviour (Law reform Commission 1987). This might include behaviour such as forcing someone to watch pornography or masturbation.
Each State has provisions which describe the crime of indecent assault, which require proof of an assault. Assault is legally defined as unlawful contact or an apprehension of unlawful contact.
Consent is not a defence if the child is under 16.
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Disclaimer
Copyright Updated: 9 Oct 2009
The South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault acknowledges the traditional Aboriginal owners of country throughout Victoria. We pay our respects to them, their culture and their Elders past, present and future.