On the Up-regulation of the Age of Sexual Consent in Chinese Criminal Law

Objectives: The protection of minor female sexual rights has always been a hot topic of social concern. The age of sexual consent in our country’s criminal law is 14, but the number of cases of sexual assault against minor females under the age of 16 is higher. Moreover, women at the age of 16 do not have a comprehensive understanding of “sex,” so it is reasonable, necessary, and urgent to raise the age of sexual consent. Methods: This paper will analyze the rationality of improving the age of consent and put forward relevant plans. The analysis will address the current problems of the age of consent in our country and the current situation of sexual assault against minor women. Results: Raising the age of consent to 16 would be more compatible with the legal system and could provide better protection for minor females. Conclusion: It is essential to raise the age of sexual consent to 16 to ensure that young women are better protected and have a more comprehensive understanding of sexual matters. This change is both reasonable and necessary, given the current issues surrounding the age of consent and the prevalence of sexual assault against minor females.