What has to happen to be considered child sexual abuse?

Question

and is incest worse, but no sex ever occured?

Answer 1

There are legal definitions of what constitutes the sexual abuse of a child. However, most counsellors or therapists are going to define child sexual abuse in very broad terms. The best definition is probably when an adult or older child / youth uses a child for sexual gratification. Of any kind. The sex act does not have to occur for it to be considered sexual abuse. There doesn't have to even be physical contact - could be flashing or masturbating in the presence of a child. Incest is usually defined as sexual activity between family members. I wouldn't say that it is considered "worse." There are all kinds of factors which determine the impact of this type of experience on a child. I think it's safe to say that the impact is never positive. Here is a link with more information: http://www.findcounseling.com/journal/child-abuse/sexual-abuse.html