Statutory Rape

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WHAT IS STATUTORY RAPE Statutory rape is the commonly used name for the criminal offense that occurs when a person has sexual relations with another person who is not old enough to legally consent to having sexual relations. Under Connecticut law, In Connecticut, a person commits statutory rape when he or she engages in sexual activity with a minor (1) more than three years younger if the younger person is at least age 13, but under age 16 or (2) under age 13 if the actor is more than two years older (CGS § 53a-73a). This law took effect on October 1, 2007. Prior to that date, a person was guilty of statutory rape if he or she engaged in sexual intercourse with a person two or more years younger than him or her and the victim was at least age 13 but under age 16, Connecticut OLR Research Report, 2008-R-0501

Also, in some cases when an older person has a position of power or influence over a person under 18, sex or sexual contact between those two people can be statutory rape.  Examples of this would be any sexual contact between someone under 18 and his/her guardian, coach, probation officer, therapist, employer, or someone who works at a school in his/her district.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Call the Connecticut State’s Attorney for legal definitions and more information. More information and links to selected Statutes: Connecticut Judicial Branch Law Librarian’s, “Connecticut Law about Statutory Rape”.

TO FIND PROVIDERS IN CONNECTICUT’S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE: Search by service name:

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SOURCES: Connecticut Office of Legislative Research, Report #2008-R-0501; Connecticut Judicial Branch Law Librarian’s, Connecticut Law About Statutory Rape”

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CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: February2024