Section 44: Sections 38 to 41: sexual relationships which pre-date care relationships

Sexual Offences Act 2003 · 2003 c. 42View on legislation.gov.uk

Part 1: Sexual Offences

Conduct by a person (A) which would otherwise be an offence under any of sections 38 to 41 against another person (B) is not an offence under that section if, immediately before A became involved in B's care in a way that falls within section 42, a sexual relationship existed between A and B.

Subsection (1) does not apply if at that time sexual intercourse between A and B would have been unlawful.

In proceedings for an offence under any of sections 38 to 41 it is for the defendant to prove that such a relationship existed at that time.

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Reuse reviewed 21 August 2026 under Open Government Licence v3.0.