Legally, how far can we go? Statutory rape? UK
 

I turned sixteen a few days ago. My boyfriend is nearly fifteen but we're a school year apart (I'm a Sophomore - Year Eleven - and he's a Freshman - Year Ten). We're from the UK.

We've been dating for almost six months now and we've both done oral (whilst I was 15). Now that I've turned sixteen, I am of age but I'm well aware that he isn't, and I'm aware that there will be complications now in our relationship.

So, legally, how 'far' can we go? (We are both against intercourse whilst he's under sixteen but we've had oral before so...?) And in UK law, what is classed as statutory rape? I don't want it to seem like I'm taking advantage of him and I don't want to screw up my life by doing something that isn't deemed appropriate by the law and then get in serious trouble as a result.

We're meeting up at his house tomorrow - the first time since I turned sixteen - and things can get pretty intense so I need to know what we legally can/can't do because I need to know when to stop/draw the line. I really don't want to get into trouble and mess up my life because of a teenage relationship.

Advice is appreciated.

Re: Legally, how far can we go? Statutory rape? UK
 

Re: Legally, how far can we go? Statutory rape? UK
 

I don't know about the UK, but in the US, once a person reaches a certain age, restrictions are applied but exceptions are also made.

For example, in my state... when you're 17-18, you can't date anyone under 16. But you can date someone 16-17. When you're 16, you can be with someone under 16 but only to the age of 13. It doesn't imply that the youngest age is 13, but my state defines a child as one who has not reached puberty, which means menstruation/etc here. Not the onset of puberty, which begins at 8-10. It's really confusing.

Like Traci said, I suggest doing more research.

My state isn't a good example to go by. I'll list two more.

In Connecticut, the age of consent is 18. But there are four exceptions made. A relationship is legal between someone who's 12-13, 13-15, 15-17, 16-18. In Florida, the age of consent is 18, but a seven year age difference is legal no younger than 16. So a 16 year old can date a 23 year old, but a 15 year old can't date a 22 year old.

Re: Legally, how far can we go? Statutory rape? UK
 

I’m not too sure about sexual activity, but the legal age for sexual intercourse is 16. Both participants have to be this age, or it would count as rape. According to this statutory rape would be if there was a major age difference (e.g. under 13). So, I'd assume that you would be ok, since you both agreed to not have sex.

This is quite heavy, but is the official UK definitions and laws. This simplifies it a bit. But it’s best to do your own research :)

Hope I helped a bit!

Re: Legally, how far can we go? Statutory rape? UK
 

As Holly says, under current law (predominantly the Sexual Offences Act 2003) the age of consent is 16 and "statutory rape" applies to intercourse with persons aged 13 or younger. Between 13 and 16 there is an acknowledged grey area, but by and large the police etc tend to be more concerned with situations like 18 year olds having sex with persons under 16 rather than acts between 14/15 and 16 year olds. I wouldn't go as far as to say it's absolutely fine, because that's not the correct legal position, but on the facts you have provided it would be unlikely for the police to become involved. All I would say is if you are in any doubt it's best to err on the cautious side.

In addition, I'd say the question you should be asking is not necessarily how far you can go in the eyes of the law, but how far you should go. At the risk of sounding like a condescending old fart (which I probably qualify as now I've hit 27...), you are both still pretty young and sex is not without risks. I'm sure you are aware of that already so I don't intend to be preachy, but as with all couples considering having sex I would say pay due attention to what you're comfortable doing and what potential consequences you are comfortable facing up to.

Re: Legally, how far can we go? Statutory rape? UK
 

Thanks guys !!