What is the offense for engaging in sexual contact with a child younger than 17 and more than 3 years older?

The correct answer is indecency with a child. This offense specifically pertains to engaging in sexual contact with a child who is younger than 17 years of age and who is at least three years younger than the perpetrator. The law recognizes that sexual conduct involving minors requires special attention due to the inherent power imbalance and potential for exploitation. Indecency with a child is defined under Texas law and encompasses a range of inappropriate behaviors, including sexual contact, which distinguishes it from other offenses that may involve minors but do not focus specifically on sexual contact.

Understanding this distinction is crucial, as it shapes the legal consequences and approaches to prevention, intervention, and punishment surrounding offenses against minors. The other choices represent different legal concepts: child endangerment pertains to placing a child in a situation that puts them at risk of harm, statutory rape involves sexual intercourse with a minor under the age of consent, and sexual assault encompasses a broader array of non-consensual sexual acts. Each of these offenses addresses different behaviors but does not align with the specific circumstances detailed in the question regarding sexual contact with a child.