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 Minnesota, sexual abuse of a child is addressed under various statutes that criminalize sexual conduct with minors. According to Minnesota law, a child is defined as anyone under the age of 18. Sexual abuse can include a range of behaviors such as physical sexual contact, indecent exposure, using a child to produce pornography, and causing a child to witness sexual conduct or pornography. Minnesota Statutes Section 609.342 to 609.3451 detail the criminal sexual conduct offenses, which are categorized into first through fifth degrees based on the severity of the conduct and the circumstances, such as the age of the child and the use of force or coercion. Producing child pornography is prohibited under Minnesota Statutes Section 617.246, and possessing such materials is a violation of Section 617.247. The state also recognizes the offense of 'sexual exploitation of a child' under Section 609.322, which includes acts such as using a minor in a sexual performance or promoting such performances. Enhanced penalties may apply for repeated offenses or for those that involve aggravating factors, potentially leading to charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, which is a felony and carries severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences.