There is nothing quite so loathsome as a person who will sexually assault or molest an innocent child. There should be no hesitation to report a person when you have a legitimate reason to believe that someone is engaged in this type of behavior. However, many may overlook the fact that sexual abuse may occur even without physical contact. This is also loathsome and is likely a stepping-stone to physical molestation in most cases. What constitutes sexual abuse if no physical contact is made?
Exposure to sexual situations – A child may be exposed to a scenario in which they are not involved personally, but their innocence is still being stolen. Either allowing or forcing a child to observe sexual acts is abusive. Children should not even be subjected to simulations of sexual acts.
Exposure to sexual material – A person would be guilty of sexual abuse even if they only showed sexually explicit material to a child. Even without bodily contact, a perpetrator would be guilty if they forced or allowed a child to see pornographic magazines or movies.
It does not matter if the child’s involvement in these situations is consensual. Of course, the responsibility is on the adult. Sexual abuse can happen without any contact. If you see or suspect such behavior, you do not have to wait until physical contact occurs to report the adult. Make the report before it gets that far. Make the report immediately.
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