What is Child Sexual Abuse?
Child sexual abuse is any sexual act involving a child that is meant to satisfy or exploit an adult or older person. It is not always violent, but it is always a violation of trust, boundaries, and safety.
Abuse can involve physical contact, but it does not have to. It can include:
Inappropriate touching and fondling
Forcing or coercing a child to touch someone else
Exposing a child to sexual content (images, videos, or behaviors)
Using a child to create sexual photos or videos
Sexual talk or messages directed at a child
Asking a child to keep “bad secrets” about the abuse
Abusers often use fear, guilt, bribes, or manipulation to silence children. That is why it is so important to talk openly with kids about body safety, boundaries, and their right to speak up.
Child sexual abuse is never the child’s fault.
No matter what the abuser says.
No matter who it is.
What is Child Sexual Abuse? (For Kids)
Some touches feel good—like hugs from someone you love or high fives from a friend. But some touches feel wrong, confusing, or make you feel scared or uncomfortable. Those are not okay.
Child sexual abuse is when someone touches your private parts, asks you to touch theirs, shows you private pictures, or talks to you about private things in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable. It is also abuse if someone asks you to keep it a secret.
Even if someone says it is a game, a joke, or “our little secret”—it is never okay. And it is never your fault.
If something like this happens to you or if you ever feel weird or confused about something someone did or said—tell a safe adult right away. You have the right to be safe, to be heard, and to be believed in.