What is child sexual abuse?

Anyone under the age of 18 is considered a child for the purpose of discussing child sexual abuse.

 

Child sexual abuse is when an adult or another child touches your private parts such as the vagina, penis, breasts, or buttocks. Think of it like this, if it's an area a bikini covers, they are private parts. 

 

Sexual abuse can include intercourse or inappropriate touching, but it doesn't always. There are other non-touching behaviors that are considered to be sexual abuse such as the following:

  • exposing their naked body to a child
  • trying to see a child's naked body 
  • exposing a child to pornography 

 

Perpetrators of sexual abuse use a variety of tactics such as:

  • threats
  • physical harm
  • using play or pretending it’s a game
  • giving toys or money
  • using other persuasive or manipulation tactics.

 

They can be someone you know, such as a close relative or family friend, but it can also be a stranger or an acquaintance. Sexual abuse is ALWAYS wrong, ILLEGAL, and ALWAYS THE ADULT’S FAULT.  

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