What is Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse is widely considered to be any intentional contact between a child and an older person that sexually arouses the older person.

From the American Psychological Association:
“ There is no universal definition of child sexual abuse. However, a central characteristic of any abuse is the dominant position of an adult that allows him or her to force or coerce a child into sexual activity. „

There are laws in all 50 States stating that a child (the age varies among states) cannot legally give their consent to any sexual activity. Child sexual abuse is illegal in all countries about which information is available. Although these laws differ in detail, all set an age – typically near puberty – under which all sexual contact with adults is deemed abusive. Above this age, sexual contact may be judged abuse depending on the use of violence or coercion or the type of relationship involved.

Child molestation is another name for child sexual abuse, most often used for sex between adults and young children. A perpetrator of child sexual abuse is known as a child sex offender if convicted, or informally as a child molester.

There are many different types of behaviors that are legally considered sexual abuse. Some actionsSuch as watching a child undress. may be uncomfortable to the child but are not considered sexual abuse if they are not done for the adult’s sexual gratification. Undressing for a regular examination in a doctor’s office with a parent present and consenting may be uncomfortable for the child, for example, but it is not considered sexual abuse. On the other hand, a doctor finding a way to be alone with a child and then touching their genitals for no medical reason may well be considered sexual abuse.

Examples of Touching Sexual Abuse

An adult: Kissing a child inappropriately Touching a child’s penis, vagina, anus or breasts Forcing a child touch the older person’s genitals Inserting anything into a child’s vagina or anus such as a finger or other object Having oral, genital or anal intercourse with a child.

Examples of Non-Touching Sexual Abuse

An adult: Showing a child their genitals Speaking sexually to a child – “talking dirty” Watching a child undress or bathe Forcing a child to have sex with another adult Forcing a child to watch or participate in the creation of: sexual movies, videos or photographs Forcing a child to watch other adult sexual activity such as masturbation.

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