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 Rhode Island, sexual abuse of a child is addressed under various statutes that criminalize sexual contact with minors. According to Rhode Island law, a child is anyone under the age of 18. Sexual abuse can include engaging in sexual penetration or sexual contact with a person under the age of 14 (RI Gen Laws § 11-37-8.1), indecent exposure (RI Gen Laws § 11-45-2), and child pornography offenses (RI Gen Laws § 11-9-1.3). The state also has a specific statute for first-degree child molestation sexual assault (RI Gen Laws § 11-37-8.3) which involves sexual penetration with a child under the age of 14 when the perpetrator is more than three years older than the victim. Continual sexual abuse of a child is not specifically defined as a separate offense in Rhode Island statutes, but repeated acts of sexual abuse can lead to multiple charges and enhanced penalties. It is important for individuals facing such serious allegations to consult with an attorney who is knowledgeable in Rhode Island's criminal laws regarding sexual offenses against children.