What constitutes sexual abuse of a child?

The definition of sexual abuse of a child encompasses a range of actions that involve inappropriate sexual behavior towards a minor. This includes inappropriate touching, which refers to any unwanted or non-consensual physical contact of a sexual nature between an adult or older adolescent and a child. Additionally, exposure to sexual activities entails subjecting a child to sexual content or acts, which can have detrimental effects on their psychological and emotional development. Furthermore, any sexual act involving a child, whether it includes penetration, coercion, or exploitation, is classified as sexual abuse and is considered a serious crime. Each of these elements contributes to a broader understanding of what constitutes sexual abuse, reinforcing the idea that all these actions collectively represent the spectrum of sexual abuse rather than isolated incidents. Therefore, recognizing that sexual abuse includes all of these forms is crucial for identification, prevention, and intervention in such cases.