Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse, as a general definition, involves any unwanted sexual contact. This may include such crimes as child molestation, child abuse, spousal abuse, rape and sexual battery. While the specific definitions of sexual abuse and the penalties for this crime will vary from state to state, in general a conviction for this sex crime will result in heavy penalties, including fines, imprisonment and sex offender registration. Heavier penalties will be assessed when injury is involved, when the sexual abuse was continual and/or when it involved a young child.

The following are a few examples of acts that may be considered sexual abuse:

• Unwanted touching of a sexual nature
• Forced or non-consensual sexual activity, including intercourse
• Exposing genitalia or fondling oneself in front of another
• Exposing a child to pornography or other sexually explicit material
• Incest
• Using a position of trust to persuade or compel another to engage in sexual activity

Child Sexual Abuse

Child sexual abuse may be described as any type of conduct from an adult toward a child that is meant to sexually stimulate the adult and/or the child. A broad range of conduct may be covered here, ranging from exposing a child to sexually explicit material to fondling to sexual intercourse.

Sexual abuse allegations involving children are particularly serious because of the enhanced penalties that may be enforced as well as the perception of the alleged offender by friends, family, co-workers, the media and the community as a whole. Reputations may be ruined by accusations alone. Formal charges may irreparably damage one's career and personal and professional relationships. A conviction will result in serious criminal penalties as well as mandatory sex offender registration for life, a requirement that will influence where the offender can live and work, not to mention put his or her name in a registry that can be accessed by people throughout the U.S.

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