Running The Risk :: Sex & the Law

The sex offenders register is run by the police and contains the details of around 30,000 people convicted, cautioned or released from prison for a sexual offence against children or adults since September 1997 when it was first set up. All convicted sex offenders must register with the police. They must:


	inform the police if they change their name or address
	disclose if they are spending time away from their home
	register with their local police every year
	stick to strict license conditions or they can be sent back to jail.

The Sexual Offences Act 2003 is there to protect the public from sexual crimes which can have a devastating effect on the lives of individuals and communities. The law covers offences against adults, against children and offences within families and protects people of all sexual orientations equally. It also protects people with mental disorders who might be vulnerable to sexual abuse and exploitation.

Frotting may be fun between consenting partners but the law protects us all from unwanted sexual contact. The Sexual Offences Act outlaws touching:

	with any part of the body
	with anything else
	through anything.