Indecent assault: criminal characteristic and definition problems

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the various forms of commission of the crime, which is defined in the Article 135 of the Criminal Code of Russian Federation. Due to the fact that the current legislation of the Russian Federation does not disclose the concept of «indecent assault acts», the author aims to give a clear definition of such acts. Methodology: Legalistic approach was used by the author. Results: The main signs of physical and mental abuse are considered. Due to the fact that today the abusers are looking for their victims on the Internet, the author comes to the conclusion that it is necessary to make changes to the Criminal Code by including the relevant qualifying feature in the Article 135. For unified application by courts of regulations on dissolute actions, the author also proposes to make changes to the existing Resolution of Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation No. 16 of 04.12.2014 «On Judicial Practice in Cases of Crimes Against Sexual Privacy and Sexual Freedom of the Person». Novelty/originality/value: The novelty of this study lies in the need to amend the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, as well as the Resolution of Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation No. 16 of 04.12.2014 «On Judicial Practice in Cases of Crimes Against Sexual Privacy and Sexual Freedom of the Person».