The laws on sex and sexual behaviour are designed to keep everyone safe - especially children and young people.
Everyone has the right to be safe in their relationships, and free from physical or verbal violence or intimidation. Nobody should be forced to do things sexually against their will. It's important that you're not alone with these feelings. Tell a trusted friend or an adult such as a family member or teacher.
If you can't speak with someone you know, call Childline on at any time and speak to one of their counsellors. They will listen to you and help you decide what to do next.
You don't need to give your name if you don't want to and they will keep anything you say private. The term 'age of consent' means the age at which a person is legally allowed to decide to have sex. In Scotland, the age of consent is If one person is under 16, then the person over 16 is breaking the law. Having sex with a young person under the age of 16 is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and life imprisonment where the young person is aged under If a person in a family setting has sex with a child under 18, they can be punished by up to life in prison.
If one of the partners is or has been a carer, teacher, youth worker or in any position of trust over the other then they can also be punished by up to life in prison.
