Molestation is a serious crime that occurs when someone touches an individual, typically a minor, in an unwanted or inappropriate sexual way without the person’s consent. This type of sexual abuse often takes the form of physical contact, but it can also include verbal behavior or sexual exploitation. It is an act of power and control in which the perpetrator uses the victim’s inability to defend themselves, or fear of disclosure, to force themselves on the victim. Molestation is a form of sexual assault and/or harassment, and may often occur without the victim’s knowledge or permission.
What Does Molestation Look Like?
Molestation can involve both physical and verbal behavior. The physical acts can include touching someone in various sexual ways, including fondling, kissing, or any other kind of non-consensual contact. Other forms of non-consensual touching can involve forcefully making someone wear inappropriate clothing, or using threats of physical violence to emotionally control the person. Verbally, molestation can involve making sexual remarks or comments, soliciting or demanding sexual behavior, or making unwanted advances.
What the Impact of Molestation Can Be
Molestation can have serious, long-term consequences for the victim. In most cases, the victim will experience fear, guilt, and shame. Victims may also experience psychological trauma that can manifest in the form of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Molestation can also lead to distrust of adults and/or estrangement from family or friends. Long-term studies have even shown that victims of sexual abuse often suffer from physical health issues, such as chronic pain, gynecological and sexual problems, and obesity.
What Can We Do to Prevent Molestation?
Ultimately, preventing molestation requires that all of us make it a priority to recognize and address behavior that is inappropriate and unsafe. This means that whenever we witness or hear about someone acting in malicious or predatory ways, we need to take direct action to report or seek help. We also need to talk to our young people about safe touch, about consent, and about establishing safe boundaries in their relationships. Finally, we need to advocate for policies, laws, and systems that protect our children from predators.