Title: Working definitions of sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect - Preventing and Reporting Child Abuse | Do Right by Kids
Headings: Working definitions of sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect
Working definitions of sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect
Sexual Abuse:
Neglect:
Working Definition:

Content: Often, the sexual abuse occurs over time and may not be painful or cause physical injury to the child. The adult gets the child to participate by using rewards, threats, bribes and lying, and takes advantage of the child’s trust. This type of coercion by an adult, whom the child often loves, can result in long term emotional trauma that can last into adulthood. Working Definition: Sexual abuse occurs when a parent (or person legally responsible) commits or allows to be committed, a sexual act with a child: Fondling (touching the child in a sexual way)
Rubbing one’s genitals on a child’s body
Getting the child to touch the adult in a sexual way
Inserting fingers, penis, or objects in the vagina or anus
Putting a penis in a child’s mouth, rectum, or vagina
Any oral sexual contact
Allowing, permitting, or encouraging a child to engage in prostitution
Taking photographs of a child in sexual poses or simulating sexual acts
Committing incestSexual abuse also occurs if the person legally responsible does something that allows the act to be committed (if he or she knows about it and doesn’t do anything to stop it).If any of the above acts are committed by a person who is not legally responsible for the care of the child, it is considered sexual assault. This is a criminal act. All cases of sexual assault should be referred to the police. Some inappropriate sexual behavior is considered to be neglect. This can include exhibitionism or allowing a child to watch pornography.