Rape

Rape constitutes a grave criminal offence, involving the intentional sexual penetration of another individual without their consent. This definition extends to oral, anal, and vaginal penetration.

Importantly, both men and women can be perpetrators and victims of rape.

If you face charges of rape, immediate legal counsel is imperative. Our team of skilled rape lawyers in Melbourne specialise in sexual offence cases.

1. Intentional Sexual Penetration: The accused must have consciously, voluntarily, and deliberately engaged in sexual penetration with the complainant.
2. Lack of Consent: The act must have occurred without the complainant’s consent, understood as a state of free agreement.
3. Accused’s Belief in Consent: The accused must not have held a reasonable belief that the complainant consented to the sexual act.

• Element One: Focuses on the accused’s action, asserting that they performed the sexual act intentionally.
• Element Two: Centers on the absence of consent from the complainant at the time of the act.
• Element Three: Pertains to the accused’s mental state, questioning their belief in the complainant’s consent.

This element can be substantiated under circumstances where the accused:

• Knew or believed the complainant did not consent.
• Did not consider whether the complainant consented.
• Held an unreasonable belief in the complainant’s consent.

As per s35A of the Crimes Act 1958, sexual penetration in Victoria encompasses any insertion, to any extent, of an object or body part into the vagina, anus, or mouth of a person

Consent implies a voluntary and willing agreement to sexual penetration. It’s deemed absent in scenarios involving physical force, fear, or unlawful confinement. Additionally, consent cannot be given if the individual is:

• Asleep, unconscious, or incapacitated by substances.
• Unable to comprehend the sexual nature of the act.
• Mistaken about the act’s sexual nature or the identity of the participant.
• Misled into believing the act is for medical or hygienic purposes.

Rape can occur within domestic partnerships as well.

The legal age of consent in Victoria is 16 years. However, individuals under 18 cannot legally consent to sexual activities with persons in positions of care or authority over them.

In Australia, statutory rape is synonymous with rape. In Victoria, the statutory definition of rape has been in place since 1981. Historical allegations prior to this date would be considered under common law rape.