The crimes of assault, sexual assault and homicide come under the broad umbrella of ‘offences against the person’. This covers intentional and unintentional acts that injure or kill another person.

In a criminal context the legal term ‘assault’ covers a wide range of offences. It reaches from causing a victim to fear that they are about to suffer harm right through to causing very serious injury just short of murder or attempted murder. Any application of force without consent can constitute an assault.

The offences of murder and manslaughter are types of criminal homicide. Homicide is the act of killing another person. Murder is the killing of another person either intentionally or recklessly. Manslaughter is the killing of another person without intent to kill. Manslaughter can also result when a person intends to kill or murder another person but their legal responsibility for doing so is reduced because of a partial defence such as provocation.

‘Sexual assault’ is a specialised form of criminal assault where the assault occurs in indecent circumstances. This can range from inappropriate touching through to rape. There are different rules depending on the age of the victim and the relationship between the victim and the offender. Sexual assault also covers sexual abuse, indecent assault and incest.

This Legal Guide on Assault, Sexual Assault and Homicide provides members of the public with information about offences against the person. Before making important decisions it is advisable to obtain legal advice specific to your situation. LegalEagle’s™ free directory profiles all lawyers in Australia. You can use it to Find a lawyer near you.

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Warning: Information provided through LegalEagle™ is for general guidance. It is not legal advice. Laws and procedures referred to may change and differ between states, territories and nationally. There may also be important exceptions or qualifications. Only a lawyer providing formal legal advice can assess your particular circumstances to determine how the law will apply.