Sexual abuse of a child is generally defined as physical contact or other interaction between a child (under age 17, for example) and an adult when the child is being used for the sexual stimulation or pleasure of the perpetrator or another person. In addition to physical contact, sexual abuse of a child may include (1) the exposure of the genitals of an adult in the presence of a child, (2) the exposure of the genitals of a child, (3) using a child in making pornography, or (4) making a child view sexual acts or pornography.

And in some states multiple instances of sexual contact between an adult and a child may constitute the enhanced criminal offense of continual sexual abuse of a child—which is sometimes a first-degree felony offense.

In Georgia, sexual abuse of a child is a serious criminal offense. Under Georgia law, a child is defined as anyone under the age of 16. Sexual abuse can include a range of non-consensual activities, such as physical sexual contact between an adult and a child, an adult exposing their genitals to a child, or involving a child in the creation of pornography. Georgia law also criminalizes the act of causing or coercing a child to view sexual acts or pornography. The state has specific statutes that address these crimes, including but not limited to, child molestation, aggravated child molestation, enticing a child for indecent purposes, and sexual exploitation of children. The penalties for these offenses are severe and can include lengthy prison sentences, fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. Continual sexual abuse of a child, involving multiple instances of sexual contact over a period of time, is also recognized as an aggravated offense with enhanced penalties. It is important for anyone facing such charges or seeking to understand their legal rights in such cases to consult with an attorney who is knowledgeable in Georgia's criminal laws regarding sexual offenses against children.