English to Serbian Other Law (general)

Sexual touching is a serious crime – and is sentenced under the same guidelines as sexual assault, with a maximum prison sentence of ten years if the victim is over the age of 13.

However, if the victim is under the age of 13 years, then a maximum prison sentence of 14 years is possible.

In defending cases of sexual touching, proving intent or a victim’s consent can be vital – and touching must also be proved to be sexually motivated.

Children under the age of 13 are deemed not to be able to give consent, however.

In some cases, touching might have occurred, but might not have a sexual motive or simply have been accidental.

In some cases, the defendant might not even have been aware of an incident involving what appeared to be sexual touching if the incident happened in a crowded location, such as on crowded public transport – or within the context of sports training or other close contact activities.

However, allegations of sexual touching can ruin lives, reputations, careers and even families – and can also devastate the victims and ruin their lives.