[throwaway17746]

There are certain crimes for which intent doesn't matter, legally. This is one of them.

And likewise from a moral perspective: Minsky did harm her. Regardless of his knowledge of the situation at the time, I would expect him (were he still alive) to apologize and do whatever he could to try and heal the pain he caused.

However, I do also think it would reflect much differently on his character if he knew all the details of the situation he was in vs. if he did not. That, from what I've seen, is still unclear.

Consequences and intent both matter.

[bitwize]

As of yet I see no reason to disbelieve Gregory Benford's account that Minsky turned her down when she approached.

So he did not harm her.