What does "child molestation" entail under Georgia law?

In Georgia law, "child molestation" specifically pertains to engaging in sexual conduct with a minor who is under the age of 16. This definition is set forth in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA), which highlights that any sexual act or conduct involving a minor, as defined in the law, constitutes an offense of child molestation. It is classified as a serious crime due to the vulnerable status of minors and the severity of the offense, reflecting the society's commitment to protecting children from sexual exploitation and abuse.

While the other options presented may relate to minors in various contexts, their definitions do not align with the legal definition of child molestation. Inappropriate physical contact with an adult does not involve minors, thus it does not fall within the purview of child molestation. Obscene communication relates to the transmission of inappropriate messages rather than direct sexual conduct, and physical harm pertains to abuse that does not necessarily have a sexual component. The focus of child molestation under Georgia law is specifically tied to the sexual nature of the act and the age of the victim.