Sexual abuse, also referred to as molestation, is the forcing of undesired sexual behavior by one person upon another, when that force falls short of being a sexual assault. The offender is referred to as a molester or abuser or sexual abuser. The term also covers any behavior by any adult towards a child to stimulate either the adult or child sexually. When the victim is younger than the age of consent, it is referred to as child sexual abuse.

Types of sexual abuse

There are many types of sexual abuse, including:

• Non-consensual, forced physical sexual behavior such as rape or sexual assault
• Sexual kissing, fondling, exposure of genitalia, and voyeurism.
• Exposing a child to pornography.
• Saying sexually suggestive statements towards a child.
• The use of a position of trust to compel otherwise unwanted sexual activity without physical force
• Incest, when it is coerced by force or emotional manipulation.

Spousal sexual abuse

Spousal sexual abuse is a form of domestic violence. When the abuse involves forced sex, it may constitute rape upon the other spouse, depending on the jurisdiction, and may also constitute an assault.