Under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1993, what types of individuals are protected from sexual offences?

The correct answer highlights the importance of protecting individuals who are mentally impaired from sexual exploitation and other sexual offences. Under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1993, specific provisions are designed to safeguard those who may not have the capacity to consent to sexual activities due to mental impairments. This protection is critical to ensuring that vulnerable individuals are not subjected to harm or abuse, acknowledging their right to integrity and autonomy in sexual matters.

This legal framework reflects a broader societal recognition of the need to provide extra protections for those who cannot fully understand or engage in consensual relationships. As such, the Act explicitly addresses the realities faced by individuals with mental impairments, reinforcing the importance of consent and the consequences that arise when consent is not valid due to these impairments.

While minors are also protected from sexual offences, the question specifically inquires about the protections under this particular piece of legislation, which emphasizes the rights of persons who are mentally impaired. Hence, while options concerning minors and individuals over 18 are relevant to broader discussions on sexual offences, they do not specifically encapsulate the targeted protections outlined in this Act.