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 Oregon, sexual abuse of a child is addressed under various statutes that criminalize sexual conduct with minors. Oregon law defines a child as anyone under the age of 18. Sexual abuse in the first degree (ORS 163.427) includes, but is not limited to, sexual contact with a child under 14 years of age when the perpetrator is at least three years older than the child. The law also prohibits exposing a child to sexual conduct (ORS 163.435), using a child in a display of sexually explicit conduct (ORS 163.670), and involving a child in the production of pornography (ORS 163.684). Oregon does not have a specific statute for continual sexual abuse of a child; however, repeated offenses can lead to multiple charges and enhanced penalties, including felony charges that carry significant prison time. It's important to note that these laws are subject to change, and an attorney can provide the most current legal advice.