Is it obligatory to seek forgiveness from a girl who was molested in childhood, after many long years have passed and repentance has occurred, knowing that seeking forgiveness might harm the girl and bring back painful memories for her, and that the families of both parties were aware of the matter at the time?

If the act occurred before the age of legal maturity (بلوغ شرعي), then seeking forgiveness is not obligatory, as the pen of accountability (قلم التكليف) is lifted from the child. However, if it occurred after maturity, then sincere repentance (توبة نصوح) is obligatory, and it is not necessary to seek forgiveness from the girl or her parents, because its harm (مفسدته) would be greater, and because the circumstantial evidence (القرائن) indicates their forgiveness. It is advised to stop thinking about the matter and not to attempt communication with the girl about this matter again.