Criminal-Law, Criminological, and Psychological Aspects of Indecent Acts Committed Against Persons Under the Age of 16: Victimization Mechanisms, Protection of Children's Sexual Integrity, and Integrated Prevention Strategies

Background: The protection of children from indecent acts and other forms of sexual abuse is a major concern in criminal law, criminology, psychology, and public health. Children under the age of 16 may be particularly vulnerable because of their developmental characteristics, limited awareness of personal boundaries, dependence on adults, and difficulties in recognizing or reporting inappropriate behavior. Objective: To analyze the criminal-law, criminological, and psychological aspects of indecent acts committed against persons under the age of 16, identify major victimization mechanisms and risk factors, and examine approaches to prevention and child protection. Materials and Methods: This article employs a narrative review of relevant legal provisions, international child-protection standards, and scientific and institutional publications addressing child maltreatment, sexual abuse prevention, psychological consequences, and safeguarding practices. The analysis follows the Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion (IMRAD) structure. Results: The reviewed literature indicates that the risk of sexual abuse and inappropriate conduct toward children is influenced by a combination of individual, family, social, institutional, and digital factors. Perpetrators may be individuals known to the child, including people in positions of trust or authority. Psychological consequences may include anxiety, fear, shame, emotional distress, behavioral changes, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships. Effective prevention requires coordinated legal protection, age-appropriate education, parental awareness, institutional safeguarding policies, accessible reporting mechanisms, and trauma-informed support for affected children. Conclusion: Protecting children under the age of 16 requires an integrated, child-centered approach that combines criminal-law enforcement, early identification of risk, prevention, professional support, and intersectoral cooperation. The dignity, safety, privacy, and best interests of the child must remain central throughout prevention and response procedures.