Definition of Abuse

Reading some information about sexual abuse on MenStuff.org made me realize I have taken a few things for granted. Being only one voice of an abused male, I have assumed people know what I am talking about. I hope the following definition makes it clear for anyone stumbling upon this web site.

Definitions of Sexual Abuse

Let's look at the definition of sexual abuse derived primarily from within the Recovery community.

• Physical sexual: involving intercourse, oral sex, anal sex, masturbation of the child, having a child masturbate an adult, sexual touching (fondling), sexual kissing and sexual hugging;
• Overt/explicit: involving voyeurism or exhibitionism
• Covert: involving verbal sexual abuse or lack of appropriate boundary setting with the child
• Emotional sexual: involving emotional enmeshment by the parent, child witness to sexual abuse or not providing appropriate and healthy sexuality information.