In sentencing for child sexual offences, courts should not treat the absence of opposition by the victim as a mitigating factor, as lack of consent is not an element of the offence because young persons are deemed unable to give informed consent. Courts should presume a real risk of psychological harm of more than a transitory nature from child sexual abuse, and where a victim impact statement confirms such harm, should treat the risk as having materialised. Wholly concurrent sentences for offences against separate victims are generally inappropriate as they fail to recognise the harm done to each victim. A 'boyfriend/girlfriend' characterisation of the relationship does not diminish the seriousness of the offending where the sexual aspect was unlawful.
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