Sexual abuse , also referred to as molestation , is abusive sexual behavior by one person upon another. It is often perpetrated using force or by taking advantage of another. The offender is referred to as a sexual abuser or often pejoratively molester. The use of a child, or other individuals younger than the age of consent , for sexual stimulation is referred to as child sexual abuse or statutory rape. Live streaming sexual abuse involves trafficking and coerced sexual acts and or rape in real time on webcam. Spousal sexual abuse is a form of domestic violence.

When a perpetrator intentionally harms a minor physically, psychologically, sexually, or by acts of neglect, the crime is known as child abuse. This page focuses specifically on child sexual abuse and the warning signs that this crime may be occurring. Child sexual abuse is a form of child abuse that includes sexual activity with a minor. A child cannot consent to any form of sexual activity, period. When a perpetrator engages with a child this way, they are committing a crime that can have lasting effects on the victim for years.

Child sexual abuse , also called child molestation , is a form of child abuse in which an adult or older adolescent uses a child for sexual stimulation. Child sexual abuse can occur in a variety of settings, including home, school, or work in places where child labor is common. Child marriage is one of the main forms of child sexual abuse; UNICEF has stated that child marriage "represents perhaps the most prevalent form of sexual abuse and exploitation of girls". The global prevalence of child sexual abuse has been estimated at

Most young adult reproductive health programs generally operate on the premise that young people are engaging in consensual sex. Yet sexual abuse is unfortunately common among youth, though data on its prevalence is limited. Program managers and service providers should be aware that young people who have been sexually abused have different reproductive and sexual health needs those who are not victims, and develop their educational programs and services accordingly.