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 Colorado, sexual abuse of a child is addressed under various statutes that criminalize sexual conduct with minors. According to Colorado law, a child is anyone under the age of 18. Sexual abuse can include any sexual contact between an adult and a child, the exposure of an adult's genitals to a child, the exposure of a child's genitals, the use of a child in producing pornography, or forcing a child to view sexual acts or pornography. These acts are considered criminal offenses and can lead to charges such as Sexual Assault on a Child, Sexual Exploitation of Children, and Internet Luring of a Child, among others. Colorado also recognizes the pattern of abuse in the form of 'Sexual Assault on a Child by One in a Position of Trust' and 'Sexual Assault on a Child – Pattern of Abuse,' which can be charged when there are multiple instances of sexual contact. These offenses can be severe and are often felonies, with 'Pattern of Abuse' charges enhancing the severity of the penalties, which can include longer prison sentences and mandatory sex offender registration.