View source for Sexual Assault (Offence)

{{LevelZero}}{{HeaderOffences}}

{{OffenceBox 
|OffenceTitle=Sexual Assault 
|OffencePage=Sexual Assault 
|Section=271 
|Act={{OBCCC}} 
|CrownElection= {{OBHybridElection}}
|Jurisdiction={{OBJurisdictionAll-14Above}} 
|Bail= {{OBBailAll}}
|SummaryDisp= {{OBDispMinVar}}
|SummaryMin={{OBTime|6 months}} (if < 16 years)
|SummaryMax= {{OBTime|18 months}}<br>{{OBTime|2 years less a day}} (if < 16 years)
|IndictableDisp= {{OBDispSame}} 
|IndictableMin= {{OBTime|1 year}} (if < 16 years) 
|IndictableMax={{OBTime|10 years}} (if 16 years above)<Br>{{OBTime|14 years}} (if < 16 years)}}

==Overview==
{{OverviewVIII|sexual assault}}

; Pleadings
{{PleadingsHeader-N}}
{{PleadingsHybridList-N|s. 271 {{DescrSec|271-Above}} | {{Yes}} | {{Yes-IfCrown}} | {{No-Under14}} }}
{{PleadingsHybridList-N|s. 271 {{DescrSec|271-Under}} | {{Yes}} | {{Yes-IfCrown}} | {{Yes-14Years}} }}
{{PleadingsEnd}}

{{PleadingsHybridElection-Under14|s. 271 {{DescrSec|271-Above}} }}

{{PleadingsHybridElection-14Above|s. 271 {{DescrSec|271-Under}} }}

; Release
{{ReleaseHeader}}
|s. 271 {{DescrSec|271-Above}} || {{ReleaseProfile-Hybrid}} 
|-
|s. 271 {{DescrSec|271-Under}} || {{ReleaseProfile-Indictable}} 
|-
{{ReleaseEnd}}

{{ReleaseOptions-Hybrid|s. 271 {{DescrSec|271-Above}} }}

{{ReleaseOptions-Indictable|s. 271 {{DescrSec|271-Under}}}}

:''Fingerprints and Photos''
{{IDCriminalAct|s. 271}}

; Publication Bans
{{GeneralPubBan}}

{{486.4PublicationBan|s. 271}}

; Offence Designations
{{DesignationHeader}}
|-
|s. 271 {{DescrSec|271}} || {{OKMark}} <!--wire--> || {{OKMark}} (Primary) <!--DO-->||{{OKMark-752(b)}} <!--SPIO--> || {{XMark}} <!--consent--> || {{OKMark-10Above}}
{{DesignationEnd}}

{{WiretapDesignation|s. 271}}

{{DOPrimaryDesignation|s. 271}}

{{SPIODesignation|B|s. 271}}

{{SeeBelowForAncillary}}

==Offence Wording==
{{quotation2|
; Sexual assault
271 Everyone who commits a sexual assault is guilty of
:(a) an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years or, if the complainant is under the age of 16 years, to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of one year; or
:(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 18 months or, if the complainant is under the age of 16 years, to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years less a day and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of six months.

R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. C-46}}, s. 271; R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. 19 (3rd Supp.)}}, s. 10; {{LegHistory90s|1994, c. 44}}, s. 19; {{LegHistory10s|2012, c. 1}}, s. 25; {{LegHistory10s|2015, c. 23}}, s. 14.
|[{{CCCSec|271}} CCC]
|{{NoteUp|271}}
}}

===Draft Form of Charges===
{{seealso|Draft Form of Charges}}

{{DraftHeader}}
|-
| 
| 
|"{{ellipsis1}}, contrary to section 271 of the ''Criminal Code''.
{{DraftEnd}}

==Proof of the Offence==

{{ElementHeader}}
{{ElementLeft}}

{{Proving|sexual assault|271}}
{{InitialElements}}
# {{box}} the culprit [[Common Assault (Offence)|assaulted the victim]] (e.g. non-consensual touching)
# {{box}} the sexual nature of the contact;
# {{box}} the absence of consent;
# {{box}} the age of the complainant;
# {{box}} the age of the culprit;
# {{box}} the relationship between the complainant and culprit;
# {{box}} medical evidence (if any)

{{ElementEnd}}

{{reflist|2}}

==Interpretation of the Offence==
{{seealso|Sexual Offences}}
A sexual assault is an assault (as defined in s. 265) in which the complainant's sexual integrity in violated.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Chase|1ftlr|1987 CanLII 23 (SCC)|[1987] 2 SCR 293 (CanLII)}}{{perSCC|McIntyre J}}{{atp|302}} ("Sexual assault is an assault within any one of the definitions of that concept ...which is committed in circumstances of a sexual nature, such that the sexual integrity of the victim is violated.")
</ref>

; Purpose
The purpose of sexual assault based offences it to "protect sexual autonomy".<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Hutchison|g62cv|2014 SCC 19 (CanLII)}}{{perSCC|McLachlin CJ and Cromwell J}}{{atL|g62cv|17}}<br>
</ref>
It protects the "personal integrity, both physical and psychological, of every individual. Having control over who touches one’s body, and how, lies at the core of human dignity and autonomy".<ref> 
{{CanLIIRP|Ewanchuk|1fqpm|1999 CanLII 711 (SCC)|[1999] 1 SCR 330}}{{perSCC|Major J}}{{AtL|1fqpm|28}}</ref>
The offence "expresses society’s determination to protect the security of the person from any non-consensual contact or threats of force.".<ref>
Ewanchuk</ref>

; Core Elements
The offences requires an actus reus of sexual touching (ie. an assault) without actual subjective consent.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|DWR|g1mzr|2013 SKQB 368 (CanLII)}}{{perSKQB|Acton J}}{{AtL|g1mzr|23}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|JA|flkm1|2011 SCC 28 (CanLII)}}{{perSCC|McLachlin CJ}}{{atL|flkm1|23}}<br>
see {{CanLIIR|Kanoa|gj4dz|2015 BCPC 124 (CanLII)}}{{perBCPC|Skilnick J}}{{atL|gj4dz|41}} - judge gives a list of foundational principles
</ref>

; ''Mens Rea''
The mens rea of the offence is the intention touch while knowing or being reckless to a lack of consent to the sexual act in question.<ref>
{{supra1|DWR}}{{atL|g1mzr|23}}<Br>
{{supra1|JA}}{{atL|flkm1|24}}<br>
</ref>

The mens rea for a lack of consent does not require the accused to be told "no". It can also be made out where the accused knew the complainant was "not saying 'yes'".<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Park|1frj1|1995 CanLII 104 (SCC)|[1995] 2 SCR 836 (CanLII)}}{{perSCC|L'Heureux‑Dubé J }}{{atL|1frj1|39}} ("...the mens rea of sexual assault is not only satisfied when it is shown that the accused knew that the complainant was essentially saying "no", but is also satisfied when it is shown that the accused knew that the complainant was essentially not saying "yes".")<br>
</ref>

The accused's mere speculative belief that there was consent is no defence.<ref>
{{supra1|Ewanchuk}}{{AtL|1fqpm|46}}<br>
{{supra1|Park}}{{atL|1frj1|44}}<Br>
</ref>

The mens rea can be negated in limited circumstances by the defence of "honest but mistaken belief" in consent.<ref>
{{supra1|JA}}{{atL|flkm1|24}} ("The accused may raise the defence of honest but mistaken belief in consent if he believed that the complainant communicated consent to engage in the sexual activity.  However, as discussed below, ss. 273.1(2) and 273.2 limit the cases in which the accused may rely on this defence.")<br>
</ref> 
It is only at the ''mens rea'' stage of analysis in an "honest but mistaken belief in consent" does the "accused's perceptions of the complainant's state of mind" become relevant.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Smith|hr3xm|2018 ABQB 199 (CanLII)}}{{perABQB|Goss J}}{{AtL|hr3xm|41}}<br>
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}
===Assault===
{{seealso|Common Assault (Offence)|Consent}}
The assault component of the offence arises "from the lack of consent on the part of the victim in relation to the touching".
<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Bernier|1mx8t|1997 CanLII 9937 (QC CA)|119 CCC (3d) 467 (Que. C.A.)}}{{perQCCA|Deschamps JA}}, aff'd [http://canlii.ca/t/1fqrx 1998 CanLII 830] (SCC), [1998] 1 SCR 975{{perSCC|L’Heureux‑Dubé J}} at 474<br>
</ref>

It is an assault whose essence requires touching at the least.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Ewanchuk|1fqpm|1999 CanLII 711 (SCC)|[1999] 1 SCR 330}}{{perSCC|Major J}}
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

===Sexual Nature===
Determination of whether the contact is of a sexual nature is on an objective standard in light of all the circumstances.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Chase|1ftlr|1987 CanLII 23 (SCC)|[1987] 2 SCR 293 (CanLII)}}{{perSCC|McIntyre J}}{{atL|1ftlr|11}} ("in determining whether the impugned conduct has the requisite sexual nature is an objective one: “Viewed in the light of all the circumstances, is the sexual or carnal context of the assault visible to a reasonable observer”")<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Ewanchuk|1fqpm|1999 CanLII 711 (SCC)|[1999] 1 SCR 330}}{{perSCC|Major J}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Farouk|j226q|2019 ONCA 662}}{{atL|j226q|33}}{{perONCA|Harvison Young JA}}<br>
</ref>

; Circumstantial Factors
In determining if the contact was of a sexual nature, the court may look at the surrounding circumstances, including:<ref>
{{supra1|Chase}}{{atL|1ftlr|11}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Marshall|h6pqj|2017 ONCA 801}}{{perONCA|Epstein JA}}{{atsL|h6pqj|51| to 53}}<br>
{{supra1|Farouk}}{{atL|j226q|33}}("The circumstances to be considered include the part of the body touched, the nature of the contact, the situation in which the contact occurred, and any words or gestures accompanying the act, among other things. The intent or purpose of the person committing the act may also be a factor in considering whether the conduct was sexual, but it is only one factor to be considered in the analysis")
</ref>
* the body touched, 
* the nature of the contact, 
* the situation in which it occurred, 
* the words and gestures accompanying the act,  
* all other circumstances surrounding the conduct, including threats which may or may not be accompanied by force; and 
* intent or purpose of the person committing the act.

; No Sexual Purpose or Gratification Needed
The accused's sexual gratification is not essential.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|PLS|1fskq|1991 CanLII 103 (SCC)}}{{perSCC|Sopinka J}}{{atsL|1fskq|31| to 33}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|GB|22mm1|2009 BCCA 88 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA| Kirkpatrick JA}}<br>
</ref>
All that is required is an act that violates the sexual integrity of the victim.
<ref>
{{CanLIIR|KBV|1fs1r|1993 CanLII 109 (SCC)}}{{perSCC|Iacobucci J}} - father squeezes son's genitals as an act of retribution
</ref>

The accused does not need to have a sexual purpose in the assault. Disciplining or humiliating a person in a sexual manner is a sexual assault.<ref>
{{ibid1|KBV}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|VCAS|1ffqq|2001 MBCA 85 (CanLII)}}{{perMBCA|Helper JA}} - father attempting to humiliate son by touching his penis<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Nicolaou|1zjlv|2008 BCCA 300 (CanLII)|239 CCC (3d) 283}}{{perBCCA| Chiasson JA}} - "forced examination of the Complainant’s vagina for the purposes of determining the presence of secreted narcotics"<br>
{{CanLIIR|Mastronardi|g850c|2014 BCCA 302 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA|D Smith JA}} "a fake gynecologist" does "medical" examinations of female's genitals<br>
{{CanLIIR|Bernier|1fqrx|1998 CanLII 830 (SCC)}}{{perSCC|L'Heureux-Dube J}}, aff'ing [http://canlii.ca/t/1mx8t 1997 CanLII 9937] (QCCA){{perQCCA|Deschamps JA}} - a hospital staff member who touched a patient's breasts and genitals as a joke
</ref>
It can also be of a "sexual nature" where it is performed for a purported "educational" performance.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|MM|6jdc|1996 CanLII 943 (ON CA)}}{{perONCA|Finlayson JA}}
</ref>

For example, a punch to the face can be of sexual nature.<ref>
e.g. {{CanLIIR|Higginbottom|1fc0j|2001 CanLII 3989 (ON CA)}}{{perONCA|Charron JA}}
</ref>

A murder that occurs while the female victim is partially undressed and largely naked will render the murder to be of a sexual nature.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Johnstone|g7rpt|2014 ONCA 504 (CanLII)}}{{perONCA|Rouleau JA}}
</ref>

; Surreptitious Activity
An accused who is giving a consensual massage while surreptitiously masturbating is a non-consensual assault of a sexual nature.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Bourdon|g2tkn|2014 ABCA 34 (CanLII)}}{{TheCourtABCA}}<br>
</ref>

; Medical Context
An alleged sexual assault in the context of a medical procedure requires the judge to consider whether there is evidence showing the conduct "had a sexual character in addition to whatever medical character that conduct might have had".<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Litchfield|1frxj|1993 CanLII 44 (SCC)}}{{perSCC|Iacobucci J}}{{atL|1frxj|52}}<br>
</ref>
There should be evidence such as "patient testimony" or "anomalous activities", that indicates that the touching was "not simply a medical examination or activity, but something more".<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Delacruz|gp32w|2016 ABQB 187 (CanLII)}}{{perABQB|Ross J}}{{atL|gp32w|174}}<br>
</ref>
{{reflist|2}}

===Intent===
The ''mens rea'' of sexual assault is "intention to touch and knowing of, or being reckless of or wilfully blind to, a lack of consent on the part of the person touched."
<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Ewanchuk|1fqpm|1999 CanLII 711 (SCC)}}{{perSCC|Major J}}{{atL|1fqpm|42}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Davis|1fql7|1999 CanLII 638 (SCC)}}{{perSCC|Lamer CJ}}{{AtL|1fql7|80}}
</ref>

Sexual assault is a general intent offence. Since the offence is not a specific intent offence, intoxication is not a defence.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Litchfield|1frxj|1993 CanLII 44 (SCC)|[1993] 4 SCR 333 (CanLII)}}{{perSCC|Iacobucci 
 J}}<Br>
{{CanLIIRP|S(PL)|1fskq|1991 CanLII 103 (SCC)|[1991] 1 SCR 909}}{{perSCC|Sopinka J}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Chase|1ftlr|1987 CanLII 23 (SCC)|[1987] 2 SCR 293 (CanLII)}}{{perSCC|McIntyre J}}<br>
</ref>
However, extreme intoxication to the point of automatism can be a defence at common law, but s. 33.1 overrules the common law on this point.<ref>
see [[Intoxication]]
</ref>

{{Reflist|2}}

===Consent===
* [[Consent in Sexual Offences]]
===Evidence===
{{Section486.3(2)}}

; Considered Evidence
Sexual offences will often involve evidence including:
* Video statements of alleged victim and other eye-witnesses
* Video surveillance evidence showing demeanour before and after incident
* Sexual Assault Kit results and other medical records
* toxicology results for drugs and/or alcohol

{{Section274to275|s. 271 {{DescrSec|271}} }}
{{Section274Offences}}
{{Section275Offences}}
{{Section276to277|s. 271 {{DescrSec|271}}}}
{{Section276Offences}}
{{Section277Offences}}
{{Section278Offences}}
{{Section278.2Offences|s. 271 {{DescrSec|271}}}}

{{reflist|2}}

==Sexual Assault-based Offences==
* [[Sexual Assault with a Weapon or Causing Bodily Harm (Offence)|Sexual Assault Causing Bodily Harm (Offence)]]
* [[Sexual Assault with a Weapon or Causing Bodily Harm (Offence)|Sexual Assault with a Weapon (Offence)]]
* [[Aggravated Sexual Assault (Offence)]]
* [[Invitation to Sexual Touching (Offence)]]
* [[Sexual Interference (Offence)]]

==Defences==
* [[Consent in Sexual Offences|Consent or Mistaken Belief in Consent]]
* [[Mistaken Belief of Age]]

The statutory defence of [[Duress|duress]] is excluded by s. 17 from applying to offences of sexual assault.

==Participation of Third Parties==
{{seealso|Role of the Victim and Third Parties|Testimonial Aids for Young, Disabled or Vulnerable Witnesses}}

; Complainant Privacy Rights in Sexual Offences
{{CPR-SexOffences}}

; Testimonial Aids
{{3rdPTestimonyAids}}

; On Finding of Guilt 
{{VictimHeader}} <!-- Sections / Notice of Agree / Notice of Restitution / Notice of VIS --> 
|s. 271 {{DescrSec|271}} || || || 
|- 
{{VictimEnd}}

{{606NoticeSPIO|s. 271}}

{{RestitutionNotice}}

{{VISNotice}}

==Sentencing Principles and Ranges==
{{seealsoSentencing}}
{{seealsoSentencingSexual}}

; Maximum Penalties

{{SProfileMaxHeader‎}}
{{SProfileMax|s. 271 [sexual assault]| {{Summary}} | {{Max18Months}} }}

{{SProfileMax|s. 271 [sexual assault]<br> Until 1994| {{Summary}} | {{summaryconviction}} }}

{{SProfileMax|s. 271 {{DescrSec|271-Under}}<br> From July 17, 2015| {{Summary}} | {{Max2YearsLess}} }}
{{SProfileMax|s. 271 [sexual assault]| {{Indictable}} |{{Max10Years}} }}
{{SProfileMax|s. 271 {{DescrSec|271-Under}}<br>From July 17, 2015| {{Indictable}} |{{Max14Years}} }}

{{SProfileEnd}}


{{MaxPenaltyHybrid|s. 271|'''{{Max10Years}}'''|'''{{summaryconviction}}'''}}

; Minimum Penalties
{{SProfileMinHeader}}
{{SProfileMin|s. 271 {{DescrSec|271-Under}}<Br> From July 17, 2015 | {{Indictment}} |{{Min1Year}} | Same }} 
{{SProfileMin|s. 271 {{DescrSec|271-Under}}<Br> From July 17, 2015 | Summary Election |6 months custody | Same }} 
{{SProfileMin|s. 271 {{DescrSec|271-Under}}<Br> August 9, 2012 to July 16, 2015 | Summary Election |90 days custody | Same }} 
{{SProfileMin|s. 271 {{DescrSec|271-Under}}<Br> From August 9, 2012 | {{Indictment}} |1 year custody | Same }} 
{{SProfileEnd}}

Where the victim is under the age of 16 years, the minimum is '''1 year''' on indictable election and '''90 days''' on summary election.
Where the victim is 16 years and older, there are no minimum penalties.

; Available Dispositions
{{SProfileAvailHeader}}
|s.271 <br>No Aggravating Facts|| {{Summary}} || {{SProfileAll}}
|-
|s.271 <br>No Aggravating Facts<Br> From August 9, 2012 || {{Indictable}} || {{SProfileNoDischargeOrCSO}}
|-
|s. 271 <br> With Victim Under the Age 16<Br> From August 9, 2012 || any ||  {{SProfileOnlyJail}}
|-
|s.271 <Br> Before August 9, 2012 || {{Indictable}} || {{SProfileNoDischarge}}
|-
|s. 271 <br> With Victim Under the Age 16<Br> Before August 9, 2012 || any ||   {{SProfileAll}}
|-
{{SProfileEnd}}

{{AllDispositionsAvailable1(S)|s. 271}}

Where the victim is under the age of 16 years, it is ''not'' possible to order a discharge, suspended sentence, or conditional sentence.<ref>
Only where the offence occurs after August 9, 2012.
</ref>

{{NoCSOAvailable|F|s. 271}}

; Consecutive Sentences
{{ConsecutiveSexOffence}}

; Constitutionality
The mandatory minimum of 1 year for sexual assault against someone under the age of 16 was found by some courts to be unconstitutional as it was cruel and unusual punishment contrary to s. 12 of the Charter.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Deyoung|h3b60|2016 NSPC 67 (CanLII)}}{{perNSPC|Atwood J}} (section 271(a)<br> 
{{CanLIIRx|R (ERD)|gpjch|2016 BCSC 684 (CanLII)}}{{perBCSC| Beames J}} (section 271(a)<br>
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}
===Principles===

A sexual assault is inherently violent, having an impact on the emotional and phychological well-being of the vicitms.<ref> 
{{CanLIIR|Stuckless|6h3d|1998 CanLII 7143 (ONCA)}}{{perONCA|Abella JA}}{{atp|334}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|McCraw|1fshr|1991 CanLII 29 (SCC)|[1991] 3 SCR 72 (CanLII)}}{{perSCC|Cory J}} ("Violence is inherent in the act of rape... It seems to me that to argue that a woman who has been forced to have sexual intercourse has not necessarily suffered grave and serious violence is to ignore the perspective of women.... Violence and the threat of serious bodily harm are indeed the hallmarks of rape... rape is a crime that is likely to have serious psychological consequences and may, as well, have serious physical effects...")
</ref>

It is only in the exceptional or rare cases that a sexual assault on children involving a breach of trust should warrant a conditional sentence.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|MacNaughton|6hl5|1997 CanLII 960 (ON CA)| [1997] OJ No 4102 (CA)}}{{TheCourtONCA}}{{atL|6hl5|7}} ("In our view it should only be in rare cases that a conditional sentence be imposed in cases of breach of trust involving the sexual touching of children by adults.")</ref>

; Young Victims
{{YVictimPrinciple}}

{{reflist|2}}

===Factors===
; Aggravating Factors
Factors that courts can be aggravating include:<ref>
see {{CanLIIRP|Atkins|1p8vh|1988 CanLII 201 (NL CA)|69 Nfld. & P.E.I.R. 99}}{{perNLCA| Goodridge CJ}} - supports some of the factors listed here<br>
{{CanLIIR|HCD|20qt1|2008 NSSC 246 (CanLII)}}{{perNSSC|Warner J}}{{atL|20qt1|15}} - listing some of the items found below<Br>
</ref>
* predatory sexual behaviour
* forcible confinement
* age of the victim and knowledge of true age
* degree of vulnerability of victim (inarticulate, easily manipulated, disabled)
* relationship of trust or offender was in position of authority
* degree of invasion of sexual integrity 
* degree of violence or force used 
* repeated acts of violence
* whether a weapon was involved
* manner of interference (attempted acts, kissing, touching outside of clothes, touching inside of clothes, digital penetration, oral sex, full intercourse)
* whether there was penetration (digital or penile) / if so, whether there was risk of STDs
* impact on the victim, family and offender
* public abhorrence to the offence
* attitude of the offender
* biological or psychological factors
* likelihood of rehabilitation
* likelihood of reoffence

; Mitigating Factors
Factors that courts can be mitigating can include:<ref>
{{supra1|HCD}}{{atL|20qt1|15}}
</ref>
* Age of offender
* guilty plea (early or late, saved resources)
* prior record (related or unrelated)

; Multiple Victims 
Where there are multiple victims it will be aggravating where (1) the victims were from the same family, which enhances the impact on all family members and (2) the escalating nature of the offence.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Griffin|hxbbj|2019 ABCA 46 (CanLII)}}{{TheCourtABCA}}<br>
</ref>

; Consent of Child Victim
Voluntariness of a child victim cannot be used as a mitigating factor.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Hann|fsxtx|1992 CanLII 7133 (NL CA)|75 CCC (3d) 355 (NLCA)}}{{perNLCA|Marshall JA}}<br>
cf. {{CanLIIR-N|Allen| (1989), 77 Nfld. & P.E.I.R. 138 (NLCA)}}<br>
see also [[Sexual Offences (Sentencing)]] and [[Victims as a Factor in Sentencing#Victim Under 18 Years of Age]]<Br>
</ref> 
Rather, the existence of consent can be used as an absence of a aggravating factor.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Revet|2b0n1|2010 SKCA 71 (CanLII)}}{{perSKCA| Sherstobitoff JA}}
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

===Ranges===
{{seealsoRanges|Sexual Assault}}

; Saskatchewan
In Saskatchewan, major sexual assaults usually begin at 3 years incarceration.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Jackson|1pmhf|1993 CanLII 4414 (SKCA)|87 CCC (3d) 56}}{{perSKCA|Lane JA}}<br> 
{{CanLIIR-N|Bird| (1993), 105 Sask.R. 161}} <br>
{{CanLIIR-N|Cappo| (1994), 116 Sask. R. 1 }}<br>
</ref>

; Newfoundland and Labrador
In Newfoundland and Labrador, sexual assault involving full intercourse of a minor by an adult in a position of trust is usually in the range of 3 to 7 years.<ref>
{{CanLIIR-N|RH|, [2003] N.J. No. 336 (CA)}} <br>
{{CanLIIR|Vokey|1nc6c|2000 NFCA 14 (CanLII)}}{{perNLCA|Cameron JA}}{{atL|1nc6c|19}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Freake|fq5m3|2012 NLCA 10 (CanLII)}}{{perNLCA| Welsh and Rowe JJA}}{{atL|fq5m3|25}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Vokey|1nc6c|2000 NFCA 14 (CanLII)}}{{perNLCA|Cameron JA}} (2:1)
</ref> 
In Alberta, the starting point for a major sexual assault upon a minor by a person in a position of trust is 4 years.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|BL|fpcfv|2011 ABCA 375 (CanLII)}}{{TheCourtABCA}}{{atL|fpcfv|7}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|S(WB); Powderface|1nnx7|1992 CanLII 2761 (AB CA)|73 CCC (3d) 530}}{{TheCourt}}<br>
</ref>

; Manitoba
In Manitoba, major sexual assaults committed upon teenagers by a person in a position of trust will start at 4 to 5 years.<ref> 
{{CanLIIR-N|D(MF)|[1991] M.J. No. 479 (MBCA)}}</ref>

; Ontario
In Ontario, cases of sexual assault involving forced intercourse with a spouse or former spouse, sentences generally range from 21 months to four years<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Smith|fmrh8|2011 ONCA 564 (CanLII)}}{{perONCA|Epstein JA}} at 87<br>
{{CanLIIRP|R(BS)|1p5tw|2006 CanLII 29082 (ON CA)| (2006), 81 O.R. (3d) 641 (CA)}}{{perONCA|Cronk JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIR-N|Jackson|2010 ONSC 3910}}<br> 
{{CanLIIR|M(B)|20swc|2008 ONCA 645 (CanLII)}}{{TheCourtONCA}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Nolan|264cw|2009 ONCA 727 (CanLII)}}{{TheCourtONCA}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Toor|2fn25|2011 ONCA 114 (CanLII)}}{{perONCA| Goudge JA}}<br>
</ref>

The sexual abuse of young children over a substantial period of time will result in a sentence in the mid-to-upper single digits.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|DB|g1tkg|2013 ONCA 691 (CanLII)}}{{TheCourtONCA}}{{atL|g1tkg|17}}<br>
</ref>
The range may also include single instances of abuse.<ref>
{{ibid1|DB}}{{atL|g1tkg|17}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Woodward|fn76l|2011 ONCA 610 (CanLII)|284 O.A.C. 151 (CA)}}{{perONCA|Moldaver JA}}<br>
</ref>
Instances of sexual assault against a young person from a position of trust without any penetrative sexual act have a general range of 3 to 5 years.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Medeiros|g8ppk|2014 ONCA 602 (CanLII)}}{{TheCourtONCA}}
</ref>

; Yukon
In the Yukon, the range for non-consensual sexual intercourse while unconscious is between 12 and 30 months jail.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Rosenthal|gfv1q|2015 YKCA 1 (CanLII)}}{{perYKCA|Schuler JA}}{{atL|gfv1q|7}}<br>
</ref>
This appears to include digital penetration.<ref>
{{ibid1|Rosenthal}}{{atL|gfv1q|8}}<Br>
</ref>

; Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia has rejected the use of "starting points" for ranges of sexual assault.<Ref>
{{CanLIIR|JJW|ft00k|2012 NSCA 96 (CanLII)}}{{perNSCA|Oland JA}}{{AtL|ft00k|21}} ("Nova Scotia has not adopted a starting point approach.  Rather, this Court has chosen to remain focussed on the principles of sentencing as set out in the Criminal Code and the Supreme Court of Canada’s affirmations that the approach on review on sentencing appeals is one of deference to the decisions of the sentencing judge.")<br>
</ref>

The range of sentence for sexual offences against children is between suspended sentence and 3 years incarceration for "repeated sexual touching" by a feeble-minded, mentally ill individual, to 6 years incarceration for digital penetration or attempted intercourse over years.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|EMW (No.2)|fn7g7|2011 NSCA 87 (CanLII)|976 APR 15}}{{perNSCA|Fichaud JA}}<Br>
{{CanLIIR|GKN|g6q8x|2014 NSSC 150 (CanLII)}}{{perNSSC|Cacchione J}}{{atL|g6q8x|43}}<br>
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

==Ancillary Sentencing Orders==
{{seealso|Ancillary Orders}}
	
; Offence-specific Orders
{{AOrderHeader}}

{{AOrder1| [[Weapons Prohibition Orders]] | s. 271 {{DescrSec|271}} | 
* {{Section109AHybrid|s. 271}} }}

{{AOrder1| [[DNA Orders]] | s. 271 {{DescrSec|271}} |
* {{PrimDNA1|s. 271}} }}

{{AOrder1| [[SOIRA Orders]] |s. 271 {{DescrSec|271}} |
*{{SOIRA1|BHybrid|s. 271}} }}

{{AOrder1| [[Section 161 Orders]] |s. 271 {{DescrSec|271}} |
* {{Section161|s. 271}} }}

{{AOrder1| [[Delayed Parole Eligibility|Delayed Parole Order]]|s. 271 {{DescrSec|271}} |
* {{ParoleDelayEligible|1|s. 271}} }}

{{AOrderEnd}}

; General Sentencing Orders
{{GeneralSentencingOrders}}

; General Forfeiture Orders
{{GeneralForfeitureOrders}}

==Record Suspensions and Pardons== 
{{RecordSuspension|s. 271 {{DescrSec|271}}  }}

; Victim Under 18
{{NoRecordSuspension|s. 271 {{DescrSec|271}} (where victim is under 18) }}

==History==
{{seealso|List of Criminal Code Amendments|Table of Concordance (Criminal Code)}}
* [[History of Sexual Assault]]

==See Also==
; References
* [[Pre-Trial and Trial Motions Checklist]]
* [[Sexual Assault (Model Examinations)]]
; Policy Manuals
* [https://open.alberta.ca/publications/9781460110249 Best practices for investigating and prosecuting sexual assault (Alberta)]

{{OffencesNavBar/Sexual}}