Sexual Exploitation (Offence)
Sexual Exploitation | |
---|---|
s. 153 and 153.1 of the Crim. Code | |
Election / Plea | |
Crown Election | Hybrid summary proceedings must initiate within 12 months of the offence (786(2)) |
Jurisdiction | Prov. Court Sup. Court w/ Jury (*) |
Summary Dispositions | |
Avail. Disp. |
|
Minimum | 90 days incarceration (153) |
Maximum | 18 months incarceration (2 years less a day) |
Indictable Dispositions | |
Avail. Disp. |
|
Minimum | 1 year incarceration (153) |
Maximum | 2, 14 years incarceration |
Reference | |
Offence Elements Sentence Digests |
Overview
Offences relating to sexual exploitation are found in Part V of the Criminal Code relating to "Sexual Offences, Public Morals and Disorderly Conduct".
Pleadings
Offence Section |
Offence Type |
Crown Election | Defence Election s. 536(2) |
---|
Offences under s. 153 and 153.1 are hybrid with a Crown election. If prosecuted by indictment, there is a Defence election of Court under s. 536(2).
Before the Crown can rely on provisions increasing the duration of the weapons prohibition order due to a prior weapons prohibition order notice under s. 727 must be given prior to plea.
Release
Offence(s) | Appearance Notice by Peace Officer s. 497 |
Summons by Judge or Justice s. 508(1), 512(1), or 788 |
Release by Peace Officer on Undertaking s. 498, 499, and 501 |
Release By a Judge or Justice on a Release Order s. 515 to 519 |
Direct to Attend for Fingerprints, etc. Identification of Criminals Act s. 2 ID Crim. Act |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
s. 153 and 153.1 | Template:ReleaseProfileAll |
When charged under s. 153 or 153.1, the accused can be given an appearance notice without arrest under s. 497 or a summons. If arrested, he can be released by the arresting officer under s. 498 or 499 on an undertaking with or without conditions. He can also be released by a justice under s. 515.
If police decide to bring the accused before a Justice pursuant to s. 503, there will be a presumption against bail (i.e. a reverse onus) if the offence, prosecuted by indictment, was committed:
- while at large under s. 515 [bail release], 679 or 680 [release pending appeal or review of appeal] (s. 515(6)(a)(i));
- "for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association" with a criminal organization (s. 515(6)(a)(ii));
- where the offence involved a weapon, being a firearm, cross-bow, prohibited weapon restricted weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or explosive substance, while the accused was subject to a prohibition order preventing possession of these items (s. 515(6)(a)(viii)); or
- where the accused is not "ordinarily a resident in Canada" (s. 515(6)(b)).
And, regardless of Crown election, if the offence alleged was one:
- where the offence was an allegation of violence against an "intimate partner" and the accused had been previously convicted of an offence of violence against an "intimate partner" (s. 515(6)(b.1));
- where the offence alleged is a breach under s. 145(2) to (5) while (s. 515(6)(c));
- where the offence committed (or conspired to commit) was an offence under s. 5 to 7 of the CDSA that is punishable by life imprisonment (s. 515(6)(d));
A peace officer who charges a person under s. 153 and 153.1 of the Code can require that person to attend for the taking of fingerprints, photographs or other similar recordings that are used to identify them under the Identification of Criminals Act.
Publication Bans
For all criminal or regulatory prosecutions, there is a discretionary general publication ban available on application of the Crown, victim or witness to prohibit the publishing of "any information that could identify the victim or witness" under s. 486.5(1) where it is "necessary" for the "proper administration of justice". Other available publication bans include prohibitions for publishing evidence or other information arising from a bail hearing (s. 517), preliminary inquiry (s. 539) or jury trial (s. 648). There is a mandatory publication ban in all youth prosecutions on information tending to identify young accused under s. 110 of the YCJA or young victims under s. 111 of the YCJA.
Section s. 153 and 153.1 offences permit a judge to order a discretionary publication ban for sexual offences under s. 486.4 that protects "information that could identify the victim or a witness". Where the witness is under the age of 18 or if in relation to a victim, the order is mandatory under s. 486.4(2).
Offence Designations
Section s. 153 offences are "primary designated offences" under s. 752 for a Dangerous Offender Order. The offender will be deemed a "substantial risk" for a Long-Term Offender Order under s. 753.1.
Offences under s. 153.1 are "designated" offences under s. 752 for dangerous offender applications.
See below in Ancillary Sentencing Orders for details on designations relating to sentencing orders.
Offence Wording
Sexual exploitation
153. (1) Every person commits an offence who is in a position of trust or authority towards a young person, who is a person with whom the young person is in a relationship of dependency or who is in a relationship with a young person that is exploitative of the young person, and who
- (a) for a sexual purpose, touches, directly or indirectly, with a part of the body or with an object, any part of the body of the young person; or
- (b) for a sexual purpose, invites, counsels or incites a young person to touch, directly or indirectly, with a part of the body or with an object, the body of any person, including the body of the person who so invites, counsels or incites and the body of the young person.
Punishment
(1.1) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1)
- (a) is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable 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) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction and is liable 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 90 days.
...
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 153; R.S., 1985, c. 19 (3rd Supp.), s. 1; 2005, c. 32, s. 4; 2008, c. 6, s. 54; 2012, c. 1, s. 13; 2015, c. 23, s. 4.
– CCC
Sexual exploitation of person with disability
153.1 (1) Every person who is in a position of trust or authority towards a person with a mental or physical disability or who is a person with whom a person with a mental or physical disability is in a relationship of dependency and who, for a sexual purpose, counsels or incites that person to touch, without that person’s consent, his or her own body, the body of the person who so counsels or incites, or the body of any other person, directly or indirectly, with a part of the body or with an object, is guilty of
- (a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; or
- (b) an offence punishable on summary conviction and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding eighteen months.
...
1998, c. 9, s. 2.
– CCC
Proof of the Offence
Proving sexual exploitation by sexual touching under s. 153(1)(a) should include:[1]
|
Proving sexual exploitation by invitation to sexual touching under s. 153(1)(b) should include:
|
Proving sexual exploitation of a person with disability under s. 153.1(1) should include:
|
- ↑
R v Aird, 2013 ONCA 447 (CanLII) at para 25
Interpretation of the Offence
Purpose
Ther purpose of s. 153 is to "make it clear that a person in a position of authority or trust towards a young person is not to engage in sexual activity with that person, even though there is apparent consent".[1] It also to "protect children"
[2]
Two Forms of Sexual Exploitation
Section 153(1)(a) is an offence of "sexual exploitation by sexual touching" and s. 153(1)(b) is an offence of "sexual exploitation by invitation to sexual touching".[3]
Mens Rea
The mens rea consists of:[4]
- knowingly communicating with a child for a sexual purpose; and
- the intention that the communication be received as an invitation, etc. to physical contact, or knowledge that there was a substantial and unjustified risk the child would receive the communication as an invitation, etc. to physical contact.
- ↑
R v T.G.F., (1992), 55 O.A.C. 355 (C.A.)(*no CanLII links)
R v G.B., 2009 BCCA 88 (CanLII) at para 27
- ↑ R v Hann 1992 CanLII 7133 (NL CA), (1992), 75 CCC (3d) 355 (N.L.C.A.) ("...our society for generations has dictated that persons of tender and youthful years require the protection from laws which assures that no excuse based upon the consent of a vulnerable mind can justify sexual invasions of their persons by adults.")
- ↑ R v King, 2012 ABQB 57 (CanLII)
- ↑
R v Careen, 2013 BCCA 535 (CanLII), at para 22
"Young Person"
Under s. 153(2), "young person" for this offence means "a person 16 years of age or more but under the age of eighteen years."
"Invites, Counsels or Incites"
The phrase "invites, counsels or incites" adopts the same interpretation from Invitation to Sexual Touching (Offence).
Direct or Indirect Touching
Touching under s. 153(1)(a) requires that the accused "touches, directly or indirectly, with a part of the body or with an object, any part of the body of the young person".
While touching under s. 153(1)(b) requires a "touch, directly or indirectly, with a part of the body or with an object, the body of any person, including the body of the person who so invites, counsels or incites and the body of the young person" The phrase under s. 153 adopts the same interpretation from Invitation to Sexual Touching (Offence).
Position of Trust or Authority
"Trust" should be "interpreted in accordance with its primary meaning: ‘[c]onfidence in or reliance on some quality or attribute of a person or thing, or the truth of a statement.’” [1]
Where the accused runs the operation that employs the complainant and is physically larger than the complainant is not sufficient on its own to establish a position of trust or authority over the complainant. [2]
A teacher will often be found to be in a position of trust.[3] When considering this issue, the judge should look at the age discrepancy between the victim and accused, and the evolution of their relationship.[4]
Factors to consider include:[5]
- The age difference between the accused and the young person;
- The evolution of their relationship;
- The status of the accused in relation to the young person;
- The degree of control, influence or persuasiveness exercised by the accused over the young person; and
- The expectations of the parties affected, including the accused, the young person and the young person’s parents.
"Relationship of Dependency"
Determination of whether there existed a "relationship of dependency" will depend on the entirety of the circumstances.[6]
- ↑ R v Audet, 1996 CanLII 198 (SCC), [1996] 2 SCR 171, at para 35
- ↑ R v Caskenette, 1993 CanLII 6879 (BC CA), (1993), 80 CCC (3d) 439 - Accused testified that he was not regularly on the work site
- ↑ R v McLachlan, 2012 SKCA 74 (CanLII) - suggests absent exceptional circumstances they will be persons in authority R v V.K. [2001] O.J. No. 2317(*no CanLII links) - music tutor found to be in position of authority
- ↑ R v V.K., supra
- ↑
R v Aird, 2013 ONCA 447 (CanLII) at para 28
R v Audet, supra - ↑
R v Galbraith (1994), 1994 CanLII 215 (ON CA), 90 C.C.C. (3d) 76 (Ont. C.A.) at para. 18
R v Blackmore, 2017 BCSC 192 (CanLII) at para 187
"For a Sexual Purpose"
It is not necessary for the Crown to prove that the accused touched the victim for his own sexual gratification.[1]
Language "for a sexual purpose" is also found in Sexual Interference (Offence).
- ↑
R v G.B., 2009 BCCA 88 (CanLII) at paras 27 to 29
Sexual Exploitation
The meaning of "exploitive relationship" is largely determined by the scope of the other types of relationships set for in ss. (1.2).[1]
Of some use is the definition of "exploitive" from Black’s Law Dictionary 8th ed. which defines it as "the act of taking unfair advantage of another for one’s own benefit."[2]
The key factor to "exploitation" is the presence of a power imbalance.[3]
153.
...
Inference of sexual exploitation
(1.2) A judge may infer that a person is in a relationship with a young person that is exploitative of the young person from the nature and circumstances of the relationship, including
- (a) the age of the young person;
- (b) the age difference between the person and the young person;
- (c) the evolution of the relationship; and
- (d) the degree of control or influence by the person over the young person.
(2) In this section, young person means a person 16 years of age or more but under the age of eighteen years.
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 153; R.S., 1985, c. 19 (3rd Supp.), s. 1; 2005, c. 32, s. 4; 2008, c. 6, s. 54; 2012, c. 1, s. 13; 2015, c. 23, s. 4.– CCC
There is some suggestion that the "exploitive relationship" can occur by way of grooming over the internet.[4]
It has been suggested that signs of exploitation include:[5]
- power imbalance or authoritative position;
- violence or threats of violence
- coercion
- exercise of physical or psychological control or domination over the victim
The existence of some quid pro quo between the parties does not negate any exploitive relationship. It is hard to image where an exchange will not take place.[6]
- ↑ R v Anderson, 2009 PECA 4 (CanLII) at para 67
- ↑ R v Anderson at para 68
- ↑
R v Damaso, 2013 ABCA 79 (CanLII) at para 29, 30
- ↑ R v Woodward, 2011 ONCA 610 (CanLII) at para 40-42 - in reference to a sentencing for luring
- ↑ R v G(C), 1994 CanLII 215 (ON CA), (1994), 90 CCC (3d) 76 at para 15
- ↑ R v Beckers, 2012 ONSC 6709 (CanLII) at para 128
Consent in Relation to Person with Disability
153.1. ...
Definition of “consent”
(2) Subject to subsection (3), “consent” means, for the purposes of this section, the voluntary agreement of the complainant to engage in the sexual activity in question.
When no consent obtained
(3) No consent is obtained, for the purposes of this section, if
- (a) the agreement is expressed by the words or conduct of a person other than the complainant;
- (b) the complainant is incapable of consenting to the activity;
- (c) the accused counsels or incites the complainant to engage in the activity by abusing a position of trust, power or authority;
- (d) the complainant expresses, by words or conduct, a lack of agreement to engage in the activity; or
- (e) the complainant, having consented to engage in sexual activity, expresses, by words or conduct, a lack of agreement to continue to engage in the activity.
Subsection (3) not limiting
(4) Nothing in subsection (3) shall be construed as limiting the circumstances in which no consent is obtained.
When belief in consent not a defence
(5) It is not a defence to a charge under this section that the accused believed that the complainant consented to the activity that forms the subject-matter of the charge if
- (a) the accused’s belief arose from the accused’s
- (i) self-induced intoxication, or
- (ii) recklessness or wilful blindness; or
- (b) the accused did not take reasonable steps, in the circumstances known to the accused at the time, to ascertain that the complainant was consenting.
Accused’s belief as to consent
(6) If an accused alleges that he or she believed that the complainant consented to the conduct that is the subject-matter of the charge, a judge, if satisfied that there is sufficient evidence and that, if believed by the jury, the evidence would constitute a defence, shall instruct the jury, when reviewing all the evidence relating to the determination of the honesty of the accused’s belief, to consider the presence or absence of reasonable grounds for that belief.
1998, c. 9, s. 2.
– CCC
Evidence
- Limitations on Admissibility of Evidence
For offences under this section ({{{1}}}):
Included Offences
Sexual assault is not an included offence. Exploitation is a specific intent offence and involves more subjective proof than sexual assault.[1]
- ↑ R v Nelson (1989), 51 CCC (3d) 150(*no CanLII links) Philp J. (Ont. H.C.)
Participation of Third Parties
Testimonial Aids
Certain persons who testify are entitled to make application for the use of testimonial aids: Exclusion of Public (s. 486), Use of a Testimonial Screen (s. 486), Access to Support Person While Testifying (s. 486.1), Close Proximity Video-link Testimony (s. 486.2), Self-Represented Cross-Examination Prohibition Order (s. 486.3), and Witness Security Order (s. 486.7).
A witness, victim or complainant may also request publication bans (s. 486.4, 486.5) and/or a Witness Identity Non-disclosure Order (s. 486.31). See also, Publication Bans, above.
On Finding of Guilt
For serious personal injury offences or murder, s. 606(4.1) requires that after accepting a guilty plea, the judge must inquire whether "any of the victims had advised the prosecutor of their desire to be informed if such an agreement were entered into, and, if so, whether reasonable steps were taken to inform that victim of the agreement". Failing to take reasonable steps at guilty plea requires the prosecutor to "as soon as feasible, take reasonable steps to inform the victim of the agreement and the acceptance of the plea" (s. 606(4.3)).
For any indictable offence with a maximum penalty no less than 5 years (including offences under s. 153.1), but are not serious personal injury offences, s. 606(4.2) requires that after accepting a guilty plea, the judge must inquire whether "any of the victims had advised the prosecutor of their desire to be informed if such an agreement were entered into, and, if so, whether reasonable steps were taken to inform that victim of the agreement". Failing to take reasonable steps at guilty plea requires the prosecutor to "as soon as feasible, take reasonable steps to inform the victim of the agreement and the acceptance of the plea" (s. 606(4.3)).
Under s. 738, a judge must inquire from the Crown before sentencing whether "reasonable steps have been taken to provide the victims with an opportunity to indicate whether they are seeking restitution for their losses and damages".
Under s. 722(2), the judge must inquire "[a]s soon as feasible" before sentencing with the Crown "if reasonable steps have been taken to provide the victim with an opportunity to prepare" a victim impact statement. This will include any person "who has suffered, or is alleged to have suffered, physical or emotional harm, property damage or economic loss" as a result of the offence. Individuals representing a community impacted by the crime may file a statement under s. 722.2.
Sentencing Principles and Ranges
- For general principles on sentence for sexual offences, see Sexual Offences
Maximum Penalties
Offence(s) | Crown Election |
Maximum Penalty |
---|---|---|
s. 153 [sexual exploitation] From July 17, 2015 |
Summary Election | 2 years less a day custody |
s. 153 [sexual exploitation] November 1, 2005 to July 16, 2015 |
Summary Election | 18 months custody |
s. 153 [sexual exploitation] Until October 31, 2005 |
Summary Election | 6 months custody and/or $5,000 |
s. 153 [sexual exploitation] From July 17, 2015 |
Indictable Election | 14 years custody |
s. 153 [sexual exploitation] November 1, 2005 to July 16, 2015 |
Indictable Election | 10 years custody |
s. 153 [sexual exploitation] Until October 31, 2005 |
Indictable Election | 5 years custody |
s. 153.1 [sexual exploitation of a person with disability] | Summary Election | 18 months custody |
s. 153.1 [sexual exploitation of a person with disability] | Indictable Election | 2 years custody |
Offences under s. 153 and 153.1 are hybrid. If prosecuted by indictment, the maximum penalty is 14 years incarceration under s. 153 or 2 years incarceration under s. 153.1. If prosecuted by summary conviction, the maximum penalty is 2 years less a day under s. 153 or 18 months incarceration under s. 153.1.
Minimum Penalties
Offence(s) | Crown Election |
Minimum Penalty First Offence |
Minimum Penalty Subsequent Offence |
---|---|---|---|
s. 153 [sexual exploitation] From August 9, 2012 |
Summary Election | 90 days custody | Same |
s. 153 [sexual exploitation] November 1, 2005 to August 8, 2012 |
Summary Election | 14 days custody | Same |
s. 153 [sexual exploitation] From August 9, 2012 |
Indictable Election | 1 year custody | Same |
s. 153 [sexual exploitation] November 1, 2005 to August 8, 2012 |
Indictable Election | 45 days custody | Same |
Offences under s. 153 have a mandatory minimum penalty of 1 year incarceration when prosecuted by indictment and 90 days incarceration when prosecuted by summary conviction.
Offences under s. 153.1 have no mandatory minimum penalties.
Available Dispositions
Offence(s) | Crown Election |
Discharge s. 730 |
Suspended Sentence s. 731(1)(a) |
Stand-alone Fine s. 731(1)(b) |
Custody s. 718.3, 787 |
Custody and Probation s. 731(1)(b) |
Custody and Fine s. 734 |
Conditional Sentence (CSO) s. 742.1 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
s. 153, 153.1 | any |
Offences under s. 153 and 153.1 have mandatory minimums. There are no discharges, suspended sentences, stand-alone fines, or conditional sentences available.
Consecutive Sentences
There are no statutory requirements that the sentences be consecutive.
Constitutionality of Mandatory Minimums
In some jurisdictions, the mandatory minimum of 1 year found in s. 153(1.1) has been found to be unconstitutional under s. 12 of the Charter for being "cruel and unusual punishment".[1]
- ↑
R v EJB, 2017 ABQB 726 (CanLII)
R v Hood, 2016 NSPC 78 - re section 153(1.1)(a)
Principles
Section 718.01 requires sentencing judges to "give primary consideration to the objectives of denunciation and deterrence" when conduct "involved the abuse of a person under the age of eighteen years". Where the evidence shows that the offender, "in committing the offence, abused a person under the age of eighteen years,... shall be deemed to be an aggravating circumstances" under s. 718.2(a)(ii.1). Where the offender is in a "position of trust or authority" in relation to the victim, it will also be aggravating under s. 718.2(a)(iii).
Ranges
- see also: Sexual Exploitation (Sentencing Cases)
Ancillary Sentencing Orders
Offence-specific Orders
Order | Conviction | Description |
---|---|---|
DNA Orders | s. 153 or 153.1 |
|
SOIRA Orders | s. 153 or 153.1 |
Note that by function of s. 490.011(2) of the Code, SOIRA orders are not available when sentencing under the Youth Criminal Justice Act
Note that by function of s. 490.011(2) of the Code, SOIRA orders are not available when sentencing under the Youth Criminal Justice Act |
Section 161 Orders | s. 153 |
|
Weapons Prohibition Orders | s. 153 or 153.1 |
|
Delayed Parole Order | s. 153 or 153.1 |
|
General Sentencing Orders
Order | Conviction | Description |
---|---|---|
Non-communication order while offender in custody (s. 743.21) | any | The judge has the discretion to order that the offender be prohibited "from communicating...with any victim, witness or other person" while in custody except where the judge "considers [it] necessary" to communicate with them. |
Restitution Orders (s. 738) | any | A discretionary Order is available for things such as the replacement value of the property; the pecuniary damages incurred from harm, expenses fleeing a domestic partner; or certain expenses arising from the commission of an offence under s.402.2 or 403. |
Victim Fine Surcharge (s. 737) | any | A discretionary surcharge under s. 737 of 30% of any fine order imposed, $100 per summary conviction or $200 per indictable conviction. If the offence occurs on or after October 23, 2013, the order has smaller minimum amounts (15%, $50, or $100). |
General Forfeiture Orders
Forfeiture | Conviction | Description |
---|---|---|
Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime (s. 462.37(1) or (2.01)) | any | Where there is a finding of guilt for an indictable offence under the Code or the CDSA in which property is "proceeds of crime" and offence was "committed in relation to that property", the property shall be forfeited to His Majesty the King on application of the Crown. NB: does not apply to summary offences. |
Fine in Lieu of Forfeiture (s. 462.37(3)) | any | Where a Court is satisfied an order for the forfeiture of proceeds of crime under s. 462.37(1) or (2.01) can be made, but that property cannot be "made subject to an order", then the Court "may" order a fine in "an amount equal to the value of the property". Failure to pay the fine will result in a default judgement imposing a period of incarceration. |
Forfeiture of Weapons or Firearms (s. 491) | any | Where there is finding of guilt for an offence where a "weapon, an imitation firearm, a prohibited device, any ammunition, any prohibited ammunition or an explosive substance was used in the commission of [the] offence and that thing has been seized and detained", or "that a person has committed an offence that involves, or the subject-matter of which is, a firearm, a cross-bow, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or an explosive substance has been seized and detained, that the item be an enumerated weapon or related item be connected to the offence", then there will be a mandatory forfeiture order. However, under s. 491(2), if the lawful owner "was not a party to the offence" and the judge has "no reasonable grounds to believe that the thing would or might be used in the commission of an offence", then it should be returned to the lawful owner. |
Forfeiture of Offence-related Property (s. 490.1) | any | Where there is a finding of guilt for an indictable offence, "any property is offence-related property" where (a) by means or in respect of which an indictable offence under this Act or the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act is committed, (b) that is used in any manner in connection with the commission of such an offence, or (c) that is intended to be used for committing such an offence". Such property is to be forfeited to Her Majesty in right of the province. NB: does not apply to summary offences. |
History
See Also
References