Child sexual abuse can be difficult to define because of the many behaviors that can be classified as abuse. However, a full understanding of the nature of child sexual abuse must include accepting that children cannot consent to any sexual act and that child sexual abuse always involves an inequality of power.
Definition
Sexual activities involving a child and an ‘abusive condition’ such as coercion or a large age gap between the participants indicating a lack of consensuality. 1
Abuse Examples
• Lewd behavior toward a child
• Sexual innuendos or suggestive speech
• Exposing a child to pornography
• Touch or manipulating a child’s genitals in a sexual manner
• Adult rubbing against a child (masturbating)
• Having children engage in sexual acts with other children
• Performing oral sex on a child
• Adult having a child perform oral sex on them
• Engaging in vaginal or anal intercourse with a child
1 Finkelhor, David.
“Current Information on the Scope and Nature of Child Sexual Abuse.”
The Future of Children 4(2): 31-53. (Summer/Fall 1994). 15 April 2008
http://www.princeton.edu/futureofchildren/publications/journals/article/index.xml?journalid=62&articleid=393
