Sexual abuse is defined as which of the following?

Sexual abuse is defined as which of the following?

• A. Intentionally causing physical harm to another person
• B. the abuse of one spouse by the other
• C. Verbal abuse
• D. Any sexual contact that is forced upon a person against his or her will

Answer: (D)

Sexual abuse centers on lack of consent. It means any sexual contact that is forced on someone against their will, or obtained through coercion, threats, or manipulation. The critical element is that the person did not freely agree to the sexual act. This can occur in any relationship and can happen with or without physical injury, but the absence of consent is what makes it sexual abuse. Harmful behaviors like intentionally causing physical harm describe violence in general, not specifically sexual contact. Verbal abuse involves harmful words or messages, not sexual acts. A couple or spouse may experience abuse on multiple fronts, including sexual abuse, but the defining feature here is non-consensual sexual contact.

Sexual abuse centers on lack of consent. It means any sexual contact that is forced on someone against their will, or obtained through coercion, threats, or manipulation. The critical element is that the person did not freely agree to the sexual act. This can occur in any relationship and can happen with or without physical injury, but the absence of consent is what makes it sexual abuse.

Harmful behaviors like intentionally causing physical harm describe violence in general, not specifically sexual contact. Verbal abuse involves harmful words or messages, not sexual acts. A couple or spouse may experience abuse on multiple fronts, including sexual abuse, but the defining feature here is non-consensual sexual contact.