sexual abuse

[sek-shoo-uhl uh-byoos]

noun

1. nonconsensual touching of a person for one’s own sexual gratification or for the sexual gratification of someone else, especially when the nonconsenting party is a child.

   When children experience sexual abuse, it is rarely a stranger perpetrating the crime, but more commonly an authority figure or other adult they know.

sexual abuse

1. Unwanted sexual activity forced on a person by another through coercion or threats.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sexual abuse¹

First recorded in 1875–80 in the sense “masturbation”

Example Sentences

For the Catholic Church, no aspect of Pope Francis' record is more sensitive or contentious than his handling of the sexual abuse of children by members of the clergy.

From BBC

I hadn’t been here long before the local franchise of the Catholic Church firmly established itself as one of the more egregious offenders in a sprawling sexual abuse scandal.

From Los Angeles Times

Garcia-Aquino is charged with murder and several counts of sexual abuse against two other players stemming from allegations dating back to 2022.

From Los Angeles Times

In contrast to the Conservatives, Labour were "implementing existing recommendations" of the 2022 national inquiry into child sexual abuse and "providing for local inquiries", he said.

From BBC

The vote is the culmination of years of fighting by victims, who argued that no one had paid the price for the rampant sexual abuse they said they suffered in county custody.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• exploitation 
• impropriety 
• intimidation 
• victimization