What age must a victim be for a charge of indecent assault and battery if the suspect committed the act?

For a charge of indecent assault and battery, the victim must be at least 14 years old. This law is designed to recognize the vulnerability of minors and provides additional legal protections for those who are younger. By setting the age at 14, the statute aims to address the specific harms that can arise from such offenses against adolescents, acknowledging their particular stage of development and the potential impact of sexual crimes.

Choosing this age threshold reflects a balance between protecting minors from sexual exploitation while recognizing their capacity for some degree of agency at that age. Victims younger than 14 would typically warrant more severe legal repercussions for the perpetrator under different statutes, emphasizing their higher vulnerability.

In contrast, the other options present ages that are either too low or too high, which do not align with the statutory requirements for a charge of indecent assault and battery. This ensures clarity and consistency within the legal framework concerning the prosecution of such crimes.