Psychology, Department of
Date of this Version
2007
Abstract
Although definitions can vary across legal, clinical, and research contexts, sexual abuse is commonly defined as sexual acts between a youth and an older person (e.g., by 5 years or more) in which the dominance of the older person is used to exploit or coerce the youth. Behaviors may include noncontact (e.g., exposure) and contact (e.g., intercourse) offenses.
Comments
Published in Encyclopedia of Psychology and Law, ed. Brian L. Cutler (Newbury Park, CA: SAGE Publications, 2008). Copyright © 2007 SAGE Publications. Used by permission. http://www.sage-ereference.com/psychologylaw/Article_n35.html