The most common sexual offences come under state law and are found in the Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 (SA). Some sexual offences apply across Australia and are found in the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).

Special rules dealing with matters of evidence and procedure in sexual cases are found in the Evidence Act 1929 (SA) and the Criminal Procedure Act 1921 (SA). The Crimes Act 1914 (Cth) includes similar rules for Commonwealth criminal proceedings.

For sexual offences specific to children, young people and vulnerable adults, see Offences against children, young people and vulnerable adults - Sexual offences. However, children, young people and vulnerable adults may also be the victims of the sexual offences covered in this section.