France To Set Age For Sexual Consent At 15

Sexual consent: The government of France announced the age of sexual consent at 15. 

This hasn't been updated in the country's law but the announcement is being considered a big step considering the recent cases of child abuse in France. Setting an age for sexual consent will make it easier to establish justice in cases of child sexual abuse. 

The step to set sexual consent was taken after many citizens of the country filed petitions. The move was celebrated by the Child protection activists and survivors but they feel there is more to be done for the safety of children. 

Lately, there have many cases of sexual misconduct where priests, modelling agent, a group of firefighters and many others were accused of systematic sexual abuse.

Justice Ministry of France said that such treatment of children is "intolerable". "The government is determined to act quickly to implement the changes that our society expects.” 

Eric Dupond-Moretti, the Justice Minister said, “An act of sexual penetration by an adult on a minor under 15 will be considered a rape.” He said that this will make it difficult for perpetrators to cite consent in defence. He added that exceptions would be made for teenagers having consensual sex.

According to the World Health Organisation, international studies have shown that one in five women and one in 13 men have been sexually abused as a child.