Engaging in sexual contact with a child under 17 years of age is considered what under Texas Penal Code?

Engaging in sexual contact with a child under 17 years of age falls under the category of "indecency with a child" according to the Texas Penal Code. This legal classification is specifically defined to address non-consensual sexual contact or exposure involving minors, recognizing the vulnerability of children and the need for legal protection against such offenses.

Indecency with a child includes situations such as sexual contact with a child, which carries serious legal consequences to deter adults from exploiting minors. It is distinguished from other offenses as it pertains specifically to the nature of the interaction and the age of the child involved, emphasizing the need for safeguarding children from inappropriate behavior.

The other options describe related but different offenses. For instance, statutory rape specifically involves sexual intercourse with a minor who is below the age of consent, while sexual assault might imply a range of sexual offenses that could include violence or coercion. Child abuse encompasses broader abusive behaviors beyond sexual contact. However, indecency with a child is the most precise designation for the specific act described in the question, as defined within Texas law.