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 Idaho, sexual abuse of a child is addressed under the Idaho Code, which includes various statutes to protect minors from sexual exploitation and abuse. According to Idaho Code § 18-1506, it is a crime for any person to commit a lewd conduct with a minor child under the age of 16. This includes any form of sexual contact or interaction for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire. Additionally, Idaho Code § 18-1507 prohibits sexual exploitation of a child, which encompasses involving a child in the production of sexually explicit material or possessing such material. The state also has laws against the lascivious conduct, such as indecent exposure in the presence of a child, under Idaho Code § 18-4116. Idaho does not have a specific statute labeled 'continual sexual abuse of a child,' but repeated acts of sexual abuse can lead to multiple charges or enhanced penalties under existing statutes. Sexual abuse offenses in Idaho are serious crimes and can range from misdemeanors to felonies, with penalties including imprisonment, fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender.