I am dating a guy who is 19. I'm only 15. We love each other and our relationship is really good. What could happen if my parents find out that we are having sex? Would this be considered statutory rape?
Hi.
Technically, when an adult has sex with a person who is below the age of consent, it is considered "statutory rape." The legal "age of consent" varies from state to state, but in most states, that age is 18. There is sometimes wiggle-room where that is concerned, though. Clearly, a six year-old is incapable of "consenting" to sex with an adult, but sex between a 19 year-old guy and a 15 year-old girl may be less clear cut.
Parents and legal authorities are more likely to take notice if there is a big difference in ages or if there is resistance to the relationship within the family and the parents call the cops. Does your family know about your boyfriend? Have they met him? If your parents know, like and respect him, they may not have a problem with your age difference, though they may have a difficult time accepting that their 15 year-old daughter is having sex. If you are keeping the relationship secret because you know your parents will disapprove--and they find out--then they may feel compelled to take legal action.
Either way, you are taking a risk because the legal system, if it does becomes involved, may not take into account your emotional maturity or whether you have willfully "consented" to sex. Only you can decide whether to continue the relationship or to put it on the back burner until you're of age. It might help to take into account your family situation and how strongly you feel about the relationship.
