What does child molestation encompass according to Georgia law?

In Georgia law, child molestation specifically refers to indecent acts involving a person under the age of 16. This definition is crafted to address behaviors that are sexually inappropriate or exploitative in nature towards minors. The focus is on actions that may not necessarily involve physical violence but are nonetheless harmful and constitute a serious violation of a child's safety and rights.

This distinction is critical for legal purposes, as it emphasizes the protection of minors from sexual exploitation and abuse. By narrowing the focus to indecent acts, the law ensures that actions specifically characterized as sexual offenses against children are appropriately classified and penalized. Other options do not align with this specific legal definition, as they either describe broader categories of violence or inappropriate behavior that do not directly pertain to the legal parameters set for child molestation.