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 Texas, sexual abuse of a child is a serious criminal offense that encompasses a range of illicit behaviors. Under Texas law, a child is defined as anyone under the age of 17. Sexual abuse can include any sexual contact between an adult and a child for the purpose of sexual gratification, as well as indecent exposure, the involvement of a child in the creation of pornography, or forcing a child to witness sexual acts or pornography. Texas Penal Code Section 21.02 outlines the offense of Continuous Sexual Abuse of Young Child or Children, which occurs when there are two or more acts of sexual abuse over a period of 30 or more days. This is considered a first-degree felony, which is one of the most severe charges, with penalties that can include life imprisonment or a term of 25 to 99 years without parole. The state takes these offenses very seriously, and they are vigorously prosecuted to protect the welfare of children.