What is Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse is any form of forced or unwanted sexual activity. It occurs when a child or young person is forced or tricked into sexual activities. The perpetrator of sexual abuse may use physical force, make threats or take advantage of a person unable to give consent.

To the children, they might not understand that what's happening is abuse or that it's wrong and they might be afraid to tell someone. To the adults, it mainly happens between people who know each other and can occur in the context of domestic violence.