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 Oklahoma, sexual abuse of a child is addressed under various statutes that criminalize acts such as lewd or indecent proposals or acts to a child, sexual exploitation, and child pornography. Under Oklahoma law, a child is defined as anyone under the age of 16. Sexual abuse can include inappropriate touching, exposure of genitals by an adult to a minor or vice versa, involving a child in the creation of pornography, or forcing a child to view sexual acts or pornography. These offenses are felonies and carry severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and registration as a sex offender. Oklahoma does not have a specific statute for continual sexual abuse of a child; however, each act of abuse can be charged and prosecuted separately, potentially leading to multiple charges for an offender. Enhanced penalties may apply if the perpetrator has prior convictions for sex crimes or if the abuse involved aggravating factors.