sexual assault on a minor in France

In France, sexual assault is defined as any act committed by force or threat against a person who is unable to give their consent due to age or incapacity. This includes any sexual act performed on a minor, i.e., an individual under the age of 15 years old, without their explicit and free consent. The perpetrator of such acts can be punished with imprisonment from 5 to 20 years depending on the victim's age, relationship between the perpetrator and the victim, use of violence, threats, or surprise, and whether the offense was committed alone or in association with other crimes. If the victim is related to the perpetrator, the minimum age of consent rises to 13 years old.