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 Nevada, sexual abuse of a child is addressed under various statutes that criminalize sexual conduct with minors. Nevada law defines a child as a person less than 18 years of age. Sexual abuse can include lewdness with a child under NRS 201.230, which prohibits any lewd or lascivious act upon the body of a child under the age of 14 for the purpose of sexual gratification. Sexual assault of a minor under NRS 200.366 is a more severe offense that involves sexual penetration or forced sexual contact. The production, distribution, or possession of child pornography is also a criminal offense under NRS 200.710 to 200.730. Nevada does not have a specific statute for continual sexual abuse of a child; however, repeated offenses can lead to multiple charges and enhanced penalties, including life imprisonment. The state takes these offenses very seriously, and they are typically prosecuted as felonies, with the potential for severe legal consequences including lengthy prison sentences and mandatory registration as a sex offender.