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Childhood Sexual Abuse
Although the definitions of child sexual abuse vary, a consistent factor is the fact that adults have more power than children, which makes it possible for an adult to force or coerce a child into sexual activity. Such sexual activity can include fondling the child's genitals or forcing the child to touch an adult's genitals, masturbation, digital penetration, or oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse. Non-contact abuse occurs as well, such as exposure, forcing a child to watch pornography, and voyeurism. Most children who are sexually abused are the victim of someone they know; common perpetrators include family members, friends of the family, neighbors, or other acquaintances. Although children are sometimes abused by strangers, is it less common.
