Child Molestation

Child molestation is a crime involving any indecent or sexual activity between an adult (or older child) and a child, usually under the age of 14. In California, child molestation by law includes any “lewd or lascivious act on a child under the age of 14.” Lewd and lascivious act is defined as “any touching to arouse, appeal to, or gratify the sexual desires of either party.” Therefore, a child molester is anyone who touches a child in a sexual manner.