child molestation
Child molestation is sexual abuse of a child by an adult or older person.
The term encompasses a range of acts from inappropriate touching to rape, and carries severe criminal penalties.
The molester is often someone known to the child—a family member, teacher, or authority figure: The priest was convicted of child molestation spanning decades.
- sexual abuseNonconsensual intimate violation
- sex abuseCriminal sexual violation
- incestRelations between kin
- fondlingAffectionate tactile contact
- bullyingAggressive repeated intimidation
harm vs. protection
child molestationchild protection
Measures ensuring youth safety
child safeguarding · child welfare · child advocacy · child safety · nurturing
consent and legality
child molestationhealthy relationships
Mutually beneficial interpersonal connections
criminal violation vs. lawful conduct
child molestationchild abuse prevention
Efforts shielding kids from maltreatment
child, children, childish, childlike, childhood, childless, childlessness, molestation, molest