Legal Definitions - Molestation

Molestation refers to a serious crime involving a range of illegal sexual acts committed against a minor. This term encompasses situations where an adult or older individual engages in sexual behavior with someone under the legal age of consent. The acts can vary widely, from inappropriate touching and exposure of private parts to more severe offenses like sexual assault or rape. It also includes coercing, manipulating, or inducing a minor to engage in sexual activity, whether with the perpetrator, another child, or by creating sexually explicit materials.

Furthermore, molestation specifically applies to incestuous acts, which are sexual offenses committed by a relative against a minor family member.

• Example 1: A youth sports coach, during private one-on-one sessions, repeatedly touches a young athlete's private areas under the guise of "stretching" or "massage." The athlete feels uncomfortable and scared but is unsure how to react.

  Explanation: This scenario illustrates molestation because an adult in a position of authority is engaging in inappropriate and unwanted sexual touching of a minor. The acts are sexual in nature and committed against someone below the age of consent, fitting the definition of molestation.

• Example 2: An older teenager uses social media to befriend a younger child and then pressures the child to send them sexually explicit photographs or videos, promising gifts or popularity in return.

  Explanation: This demonstrates molestation through inducement and exploitation. Even without direct physical contact, the older teenager is coercing a minor into creating and transmitting sexually explicit material, which constitutes a sexual act against the minor for the perpetrator's gratification.

• Example 3: A grandfather, when left alone with his young grandchild, frequently exposes himself to the child and attempts to touch the child's private parts, making the child afraid to be alone with him.

  Explanation: This is a clear instance of molestation, specifically highlighting the incestuous aspect where a relative (grandfather) commits sexual acts, including exposure and inappropriate touching, against a minor family member. These actions violate legal and familial boundaries and constitute a serious crime.