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 South Carolina, sexual abuse of a child is addressed under various statutes that criminalize acts such as engaging in sexual battery with a minor, exposing a minor to harmful materials, and the production or distribution of child pornography. Sexual battery is defined as sexual contact without consent and can include contact with minors under the age of consent, which is 16 in South Carolina. The law also prohibits lewd acts upon a child under the age of 16. The exposure of genitals to a minor or forcing a minor to view sexual acts or pornography can be prosecuted under the state's obscenity laws. Additionally, South Carolina has specific statutes against sexual exploitation of a minor, which includes the creation, distribution, or possession of child pornography. Continual sexual abuse of a child is not defined as a separate offense in South Carolina, but multiple instances of sexual abuse can lead to multiple charges and enhanced penalties, including felony charges that carry severe consequences upon conviction.