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 Kentucky, sexual abuse of a child is a serious criminal offense and is addressed under various statutes. Kentucky law defines sexual abuse in the first degree as subjecting a person who is less than 16 years old to sexual contact when the perpetrator is in a position of authority or special trust, or is 21 years old or older. Sexual abuse in the second degree involves sexual contact with a minor under 14 years old by a person 18 years old or older. The law also criminalizes the use of a minor in a sexual performance, the promotion of a sexual performance by a minor, and the possession or viewing of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor. These offenses can range from Class A misdemeanors to Class B felonies, depending on the circumstances and the age of the child. Kentucky does not have a specific statute for continual sexual abuse of a child, but repeated offenses can lead to multiple charges or enhanced penalties under the state's persistent felony offender statutes.