Women and Newborn Health Service
Services A — Z
King Edward Memorial Hospital
SARC Consent
Consent to sexual activity is when a person freely agrees to any sexual activities without pressure, force or being tricked.
In Western Australia, the legal age for males and females to consent to sexual activity is 16 years. The law says that if you have sex with someone who is under 16 years old it is a crime.
The law also says that it is illegal to have a sexual relationship with people under 18 years if you have a relationship of authority with them, such as a teacher or employer.
If someone is not able to give consent to sex, regardless of their age, the law says it is a crime.
People who cannot give consent regardless of their age include:- a person who is unconscious, asleep or intoxicated.
- a person with a psychological or physical condition that impacts on their ability to understand what they are consenting to.
