Sex crimes are defined as forms of human sexual behavior that involve illegal or coerced sexual activity. A person who commits a sex crime is then labeled a sex offender. When it comes to sex crimes there is a lot of variation among the different cultures as to what is considered a crime, and what way or to what extent the punishment will be.

Western cultures are often more tolerable of certain sexual acts such as cross dressing and oral sex, while the same acts are held as crimes in some cultures. Cultures with a strong religious tradition have a much broader range of activities that they consider to be serious sex crimes.

Some of the common sex crimes are:

Rape – Which is sometimes referred to as sexual assault involves sexual intercourse or sexual penetration of another person without the consent of that person. Rape is considered a serious sex crime.

Statutory Rape – Statutory rape is a term to describe a sexual relationship that occurs between a person of age and a person who is younger than the statutory age of consent. Different jurisdictions use different terms for this sex crime, such as rape of a child, sexual assault, rape of a child, carnal knowledge of a minor, carnal knowledge, or corruption of a minor. Statutory rape is different that forced rape as there is no force or threat present.

Child Sexual Abuse – Is when a child is sexually abused for the sexual gratification of an older adolescent or adult. It is also considered a form of child abuse. Besides the direct sexual contact, it is also considered sexual abuse when an adult exposes their genitals to a child, displays pornographic content to a child, uses a child to produce pornographic content, or tries to coerce a child to engage in sexual activities. Most offenders of this sex crime are known by their victims.

Sexual Harassment – Is the unwanted attention of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment is considered in many countries a form of illegal discrimination and is a form of bullying and abuse. Those doing the harassing may behave in a mild manner in the beginning and turn into serious abusers which often lead to forced sexual activity. Sexual harassment can happen anywhere, and the harasser can be anyone, from a co-worker to a client, or a professor to a friend.

Incest – Refers to sexual relations between those who are closely related, often within the immediate family. This sex crime is not only illegal but in most cultures considered socially taboo. Father-daughter incest is the most common and it happens both with and without consent.

Frotteurism – Refers to the sexual rubbing of yourself against a non-consenting stranger in a public place in order to become aroused sexually. This sex crime is commonly referred to as groping. Contact is usually done with the hands or genitals and involves touching any part of the body including the genitals. Frotteurism is a non-consensual sexual activity and if often done discreetly without being discovered, or in places where the victim is unable to respond, such as a crowded bus. This sex crime is viewed as a form of sexual assault and is often classified as a misdemeanor and given minor legal penalties.