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 Tennessee, sexual abuse of a child is addressed under various statutes that criminalize sexual conduct with minors. According to Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) § 39-13-501 et seq., particularly the offenses of rape of a child, aggravated sexual battery, and especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, such conduct is illegal. The age of consent in Tennessee is 18, and any sexual contact with a child under this age may be subject to criminal prosecution. The law also prohibits the exposure of an adult's genitals to a child, the exposure of a child's genitals, the involvement of a child in the production of pornography, and forcing a child to view sexual acts or pornography. Continual sexual abuse of a child, which involves multiple instances of sexual contact over an extended period, can be prosecuted under T.C.A. § 39-15-404, which defines the offense of 'continuous sexual abuse of a child' and can be charged as a Class A felony, carrying severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences.