Is rubbing a minor's leg considered molestation?

Q: Can a minor's changing story affect a legal case?

Yes, a minor's changing story can complicate a legal case. Inconsistent statements may raise questions about the credibility of the claims. Law enforcement will consider all evidence and testimonies during an investigation, which could affect the outcome.

Q: What should a minor do if they feel uncomfortable about an incident?

If a minor feels uncomfortable about an incident, it's important for them to talk to a trusted adult or professional. This could be a parent, teacher, or counselor who can provide support and guidance on how to address the situation.

Q: What happens if a minor reports an incident of inappropriate touching?

If a minor reports an incident of inappropriate touching, it may lead to an investigation by law enforcement. The authorities will gather information and evidence to determine if any laws were violated and what actions should be taken.

Q: Can someone be charged for touching a minor's leg?

Touching a minor's leg may not automatically result in charges unless it meets the legal definition of sexual abuse or molestation. The context, intent, and specific actions involved will be crucial in determining if any laws were violated.

Full question:

A friend's 16 year old daughter drove her mother's drunk boyfriend to the store and he rubbed on her leg. He did not touch her genitals or other private areas, just rubbed her thigh. Is that considered molestation? He doesn't remember the incident, but he remembers her driving and a specific incident where she turned sharp and he grabbed her knee. He apologized and she said it's okay my dad does it all the time, he said well I don't and apologized. The daughter came home and told her mother that. When she questioned her boyfriend, he said the same thing. Then the stories changed. Every time the woman's daughter was asked by her mother what happened, something was added or changed or she retracted something. She said well he rubbed my leg 3 times and I told him to stop and he did. Her mother doesn't know what to believe because her daughter's story has changed so much. She has confided in me and I say that it wouldn't constitute molestation, if in fact that it did happen the way her daughter said. Can she cause the man to go to jail if she tells someone?

Category: Criminal
Subcategory: child molestation
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Virginia

Answer:

According to Virginia law, sexual abuse involves specific actions that include touching intimate parts of a person with the intent to sexually molest or arouse. The law defines "intimate parts" as the genitalia, anus, groin, breast, or buttocks (Va. Code § 18.2-67.10). In this case, since the boyfriend only rubbed the daughter's thigh and did not touch her intimate parts or engage in more serious actions, it may not meet the legal definition of molestation or sexual abuse.

Additionally, the daughter's changing story and her comment about her father doing the same may complicate the situation. If she reports the incident, it could lead to an investigation, but the outcome would depend on the details and evidence available. The boyfriend's intoxication and lack of memory may also affect the case.

Ultimately, if the daughter feels uncomfortable or unsafe, it is important for her to talk to a trusted adult or professional about her feelings and the situation.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What constitutes molestation in Virginia?

In Virginia, molestation is defined as sexual abuse involving specific actions like touching intimate parts of a person with the intent to sexually arouse or molest. Intimate parts include the genitalia, anus, groin, breast, or buttocks (Va. Code § 18.2-67.10). Touching other areas, like the thigh, may not meet this legal definition.