How old do you have to be to have sex

The age at which a person is deemed legally competent to consent to sexual activity varies widely around the world - and even within Europe. Most countries prohibit sex with unders or unders, but in some places the age of consent is as low as 11, or as high as However, even within counties this can vary widely between males and females and in cases of heterosexual and homosexual sex. In the UK, the age of consent stands at 16, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

The law in Victoria sets clear age limits for when you can legally have sex. This is called the age of consent. A person can be charged with a sexual offence if they perform a sexual act that breaks these age limits, even if the younger person agrees to it. The age of consent for same-sex relationships is the same as it is for heterosexual relationships. If you are under 12, a person can't have sex with you or touch you sexually or perform a sexual act in front of you, even if you agree.

Deciding to have sex with someone is an important decision. If you think that you are ready to have sex, it is important that you are aware of the different laws about how old you have to be to have sex, and to understand what the law means by sex. Before you have sex, you should talk to a health professional about how to practice safe sex and to make sure you are fully aware of the risks of practising unsafe sex. It is never ok for someone to assume you have given consent or to force you to keep going if you want to stop. For example, a person does not give their consent if they feel threatened, forced or afraid, or are tricked.

If you are having, or thinking about having, sex the key thing to remember is that it should always be consensual. In the eyes of the law, you are only old enough to consent to sex or sexual activity at The law applies to everyone, regardless of gender or sexuality, in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.