Even if there is no direct skin-to-skin contact during groping, it will be considered sexual assault

Sexually Touching a Child

Last updated on Apr 8, 2022

Portfolio Keyphrase: What is Child Sexual Assault

Tags: Abuse, Violence, Crime, Children, Explainer

 

[Trigger Warning: The following content contains information on sexual and physical violence which some readers may find disturbing.]

A person commits sexual assault on a child if they1:

  • Touch a child with a sexual intent. This includes touching the child’s  vagina, penis, anus, breast etc.
  • Force a child to touch their own or anyone else’s vagina, penis, anus, breast, etc.

The punishment for this is jail time from three to five years to a life in prison along with a fine.2

If the offender is in a position of trust or authority, then this is a higher degree of crime known as Aggravated Sexual Assault3 which has a higher degree of punishment. Read more in our explainer “What is an aggravated crime of sexual abuse by an authority figure?”.

  1. Section 7, The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.[]
  2. Section 8, The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.[]
  3. Section 9, The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.[]

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