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 Utah, sexual abuse of a child is a serious criminal offense. Under Utah Code § 76-5-404.1, sexual abuse of a child involves an adult engaging in any sexual act with a child or causing a child to engage in a sexual act, where a 'child' is defined as someone under the age of 14. This includes touching of the child's genitals, the pubic area, the buttocks, or the breast of a female, as well as causing the child to touch the adult in a similar manner, for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire. The law also covers non-physical acts such as exposing oneself to a child, involving a child in the production of pornography, or causing a child to view sexual acts or pornography. Continual sexual abuse of a child, which involves multiple instances of sexual contact over an extended period, is addressed under Utah Code § 76-5-404.2 and is considered a first-degree felony, carrying severe penalties including the possibility of life imprisonment.