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New Mexico Child Molestation Laws

Sex Offender Registry

New Mexico Sex Offender Search

Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect

New Mexico Ann. Stat. § 32A-4-3 sets forth a list of professionals required to report suspected child abuse and neglect (including sexual abuse) to authorities. The list includes medical care providers, law enforcement officers, teachers and school officials, social workers, and members of the clergy.

In addition, every person who knows or has a reasonable suspicion that a child is an abused or a neglected child must report the matter immediately.

Failure to report is a misdemeanor.

Sexual Abuse and Exploitation

New Mexico Ann. Stat. § 32A-4-2 provides that the term ‘abused child’ includes a child who has suffered sexual abuse or sexual exploitation inflicted by the child’s parent, guardian, or custodian.

‘Sexual abuse’ includes, but is not limited to, criminal sexual contact, incest, or criminal sexual penetration, as those acts
are defined by State law.

‘Sexual exploitation’ includes, but is not limited to:

  • Allowing, permitting, or encouraging a child to engage in prostitution
  • Allowing, permitting, encouraging, or engaging a child in obscene or pornographic photographing
  • Filming or depicting a child for obscene or pornographic commercial purposes