Tender Years Sexual Assault refers to assault involving victims under what age?

Tender Years Sexual Assault refers to assault involving victims under what age?

• A. Victims under 18
• B. Victims under 21
• C. Victims under 13
• D. Victims under 16

Answer: (C)

Tender Years refers to assaults against the youngest victims, defined in New Jersey law as those under 13 years old. This category exists because very young children are considered especially vulnerable, so the statute creates a distinct offense with elements and penalties tailored to that age group. Therefore, the correct threshold is under 13, which is why the other age options don’t fit. If the victim is 13 or older, this specific category does not apply; different statutes and penalties would be used instead.

Tender Years refers to assaults against the youngest victims, defined in New Jersey law as those under 13 years old. This category exists because very young children are considered especially vulnerable, so the statute creates a distinct offense with elements and penalties tailored to that age group. Therefore, the correct threshold is under 13, which is why the other age options don’t fit. If the victim is 13 or older, this specific category does not apply; different statutes and penalties would be used instead.