A person generally commits the criminal offense of sexual assault of a child—regardless of whether the person knows the age of the child at the time of the offense—if the person (1) causes the penetration of the anus or sexual organ of a child by any means; (2) causes the penetration of the mouth of a child by the sexual organ of the person; (3) causes the sexual organ of the child to contact or penetrate the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of the person or another person; (4) causes the anus of a child to contact the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of the person or another person; or (5) causes the mouth of a child to contact the anus or sexual organ of the person or another person.

The naming and definition of the criminal offense of sexual assault of a child varies from state to state. These criminal offenses are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Vermont, the criminal offense of sexual assault of a child is addressed under the state's sexual assault statutes, which are part of the Vermont Statutes Annotated, particularly in Title 13 (Crimes and Criminal Procedure). Vermont law defines sexual assault against a child to include any sexual act with a person under the age of 16 when the perpetrator is at least 18 years old, which aligns with the actions described in points (1) through (5). The law does not require the perpetrator to know the age of the child for the act to be considered a criminal offense. The severity of the offense and the penalties imposed can vary depending on the specific circumstances, such as the age of the child and the nature of the act. Convictions for sexual assault of a child can result in significant prison time, fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. It is important for individuals facing such charges to seek the counsel of an experienced attorney who can provide legal advice tailored to the specifics of their case.