The definition of a sex crime differs from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. However, there are core offenses that are common to most jurisdictions, but some states outlaw additional particular acts. The common sex offenses fall into the following categories:
- • Crimes against adults: rape, sexual assault marital rape
- • Crimes against relatives: incest
- • Crimes against children: pornography, exploitation, molestation, abduction
- • Crimes against nature: indecent exposure, sodomy, bestiality
- • Crimes against sex for sale: prostitution
- • Exhibitionism
- • Frotteurism
- • Hebephilia
- • Incest
- • Paraphilia
- • Pedophilia
- • Prevention Project Dunkelfeld
- • Sex and the law
- • Sex offender registries in the United States
- • Sex offender registration
By law, persons convicted of specified sex crimes are required to register as sex offenders with a local law enforcement agency. Prior to release from prison, jail, a mental hospital, or on probation, sex offenders who are required to register are notified in writing of their duty to register. When a sex offender is released into the community, he or she must register within 5 working days at the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over his or her residence.