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 Kansas, sexual abuse of a child is addressed under various statutes that criminalize sexual conduct with minors. According to Kansas Statutes, a child is defined as anyone under the age of 18. Sexual abuse can include any act of sexual contact or interaction with a child for the sexual gratification of the adult or another, which aligns with the general definition provided. This encompasses indecent liberties with a child, aggravated indecent liberties, criminal sodomy, and aggravated criminal sodomy, among other offenses. The exposure of genitals to a child, using a child in the production of pornography, or causing a child to view sexual acts or pornography are also criminal offenses under Kansas law. Kansas does not have a specific statute for continual sexual abuse of a child as described, but repeated acts of sexual abuse can lead to multiple charges or enhanced penalties under existing statutes. Such offenses are serious and can range from misdemeanors to felonies, with the more severe charges typically being level 1 or 2 felonies, which are among the most serious under Kansas law and can result in lengthy prison sentences.