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 Louisiana (LA), sexual abuse of a child is addressed under various statutes that criminalize sexual conduct with minors. According to Louisiana law, a child is defined as anyone under the age of 17. Sexual abuse can include indecent behavior with juveniles, molestation of a juvenile, sexual battery, and aggravated crimes against nature. The law also prohibits the production, distribution, or possession of child pornography. Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 14, Sections 80 through 81.2, cover these offenses, outlining the specific actions that constitute sexual abuse and the associated penalties, which can be severe and include lengthy prison sentences. The state also recognizes the crime of 'sexual abuse of a minor by computer' under Section 81.3. Furthermore, Louisiana has a specific statute for 'aggravated rape' which includes victims under the age of 13, and this crime carries the harshest penalties, including life imprisonment. Continual sexual abuse of a child is not explicitly defined as a separate offense in Louisiana statutes, but repeated offenses can lead to enhanced charges and penalties under the state's habitual offender law.