Which statement best describes sexual abuse?

Which statement best describes sexual abuse?

• A. Caregiver or other person forces, coerces, or threatens a child to have any form of sexual conduct
• B. Not applicable
• C. Belittling a child
• D. Providing toys

Answer: (A)

Sexual abuse means an adult or someone in a position of trust forcing, coercing, or threatening a child to engage in sexual conduct. This captures the essential harm: a child cannot consent, and any sexual act or attempt with a child is abuse. That’s why this option is the best description. The other statements don’t describe sexual abuse: belittling a child relates to emotional abuse, providing toys is not abuse, and saying something is not applicable doesn't describe a harmful act.

Sexual abuse means an adult or someone in a position of trust forcing, coercing, or threatening a child to engage in sexual conduct. This captures the essential harm: a child cannot consent, and any sexual act or attempt with a child is abuse. That’s why this option is the best description. The other statements don’t describe sexual abuse: belittling a child relates to emotional abuse, providing toys is not abuse, and saying something is not applicable doesn't describe a harmful act.