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 New Hampshire, sexual abuse of a child is addressed under various statutes that criminalize sexual contact with minors, the production and distribution of child pornography, and other related offenses. Under NH Rev Stat § 632-A (2021), sexual assault includes any sexual contact between an adult and a person under the age of 16, with aggravated felonious sexual assault being a more severe charge that can apply in cases of rape or when the victim is under 13. The law also criminalizes indecent exposure and lewdness (NH Rev Stat § 645:1) when an adult exposes themselves to a child, and the use of a child in sexual performance (NH Rev Stat § 571-B) is prohibited, which includes making a child view or participate in pornography. New Hampshire does not have a specific statute for continual sexual abuse of a child as a distinct offense, but multiple instances of sexual abuse can lead to multiple charges and enhanced penalties, potentially qualifying as a first-degree assault depending on the circumstances and severity of the offenses.