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 Ohio, sexual abuse of a child is addressed under various statutes that criminalize sexual conduct with minors. Ohio law defines a child as anyone under the age of 18. Sexual abuse can include unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, which is engaging in sexual activity with someone under 16 when the perpetrator is significantly older. The law also prohibits the use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance (child pornography), and it is illegal to coerce, entice, or compel a minor to engage in sexual activity. Ohio does not have a specific statute for continual sexual abuse of a child; however, multiple instances of sexual abuse can lead to multiple charges and enhanced penalties, including felony charges. The exposure of genitals to a minor or forcing a minor to view sexual acts or pornography can also result in criminal charges. These offenses are taken very seriously and can lead to severe legal consequences, including imprisonment and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
