what is child sexual abuse?

Child sexual abuse is sexual contact between a child and adult or older child for the sexual gratification of the offender. It includes: physical contact, such as handling of the child?s of the offender?s genitals or breasts, oral sex, or attempted or actual penetration of the child?s vagina or rectum; and nonphysical contact: such as forcing a child to look at the offender?s genitals, talking to a child in a sexually explicit manner, peeping at a child in the bath or while he or she is undressing (voyeurism), exposing a child to pornographic materials, or exploiting a child through pornography or prostitution.

Does sexual abuse have to be forced?

Sexual abuse is always forced, even though the force may be subtle rather than being an obvious physical attack. Force can by psychological: examples are bribery, taking advantage of children?s dependence and lack of knowledge, threatening them with harm or withdrawal of love, and threatening that they will be blamed or that their families will be hurt. Force is always involved in sexual abuse because children clearly lack the power and authority of adults.

How common is sexual abuse?

1 in 3 girls and 1 in 6 males will be abused by age 18.