Child sexual abuse (CSA) can be defined as sexual contact with a child or adolescent that occurs because of coercion or force or within the context of a relationship that is exploitative because of an age difference or caretaking responsibility (Finkelhor, 1992). A broad range of sexual activities may be involved in abuse, from "noncontact" offenses (e.g., voyeurism) to acts of varying physical intrusiveness (e.g., from fondling to intercourse; Walker, Bonner, & Kaufman, 1988). Legal definitions vary from state to state but often include similar elements. Criminal charges are determined based on the ages of the victim and the offender, the victim-offender relationship, the type of sexual act perpetrated, and the frequency of the abuse. Although adult males represent the largest group of child sexual offenders, estimatesThe authors express their thanks to colleagues who were willing to provide prevention information as well as comments on a draft of this chapter:
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