GLOSSARY OF KEY TERMS Adolescent Age of consent Child or Minor Criminal Code Defilement Juvenile Legislation SRHS Young person Adolescent refers to a person in the period of adolescence. Adolescence refers to a transitional stage of physical and psychological development that generally occurs during the period from puberty to legal adulthood. Adolescence is usually associated with the teenage years, but its physical, psychological or cultural expressions may begin earlier and end later. The legal age at which a person can validly and legally consent to a sexual act with another person. Any boy or girl below the age of 18 years. The Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23]. The act of committing a sexual act with a young person below the age of consent. In the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23] the words “sexual intercourse or performing indecent acts with young persons” are used. Refers to a young person who is not yet old enough to be considered an adult. A law passed by Parliament, commonly referred to as an Act of Parliament or a Statute of Parliament. Sexual and Reproductive Health Services In the context of sexual offences in the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23], means a boy or a girl below the age of 16 years. v