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 Maine, sexual abuse of a child is addressed under various statutes that criminalize sexual acts, contact, and exploitation involving minors. Under Maine law, a child is defined as a person under the age of 18. Sexual abuse may include unlawful sexual contact, sexual exploitation, or the use of a minor in a sexual performance. Maine statutes specifically criminalize the act of an adult exposing their genitals to a minor (Indecent Conduct), or causing a minor to expose their genitals (Visual Sexual Aggression Against a Child). The production, possession, or distribution of child pornography is also a serious offense under Maine's child exploitation laws. Additionally, Maine law recognizes the offense of Gross Sexual Assault, which can be applied to various forms of sexual crimes against children and can be considered a Class A, B, or C crime depending on the circumstances, with Class A being the most serious. Continual sexual abuse of a child is not specifically defined as a separate offense in Maine, but repeated acts of sexual abuse can lead to multiple charges or can be considered as aggravating factors, potentially resulting in more severe penalties.