Across the United States, sexual abuse is more common than one might think and is not always understood in its full definition. In fact, in his book Why Me? Helping victims of child sexual abuse (even if they are now adults), Lynn B. Daugherty, Ph.D., says one in four children are subjected to some type of underage sexual abuse eighteen years old. This means that twenty-five percent of children experience some form of sexual abuse before becoming adults. Although it is often thought of as physical harm during sexual intercourse, sexual abuse is much more than that. So, what does sexual abuse actually involve and what are the long-term effects of sexual abuse on children? Sexual abuse is any kind of non-consensual sexual contact. Child sexual abuse is sexual abuse committed by an adult or any older child. These acts may include inappropriate touching, penetration, incitement to sexual activity including prostitution, intentionally engaging in sexual acts in front of a child, and pornography. Sexual abuse also includes any sexual act caused by trickery, entrapment, force or corruption. Contrary to popular opinion, manipulation is a real thing and is indeed used to harm people emotionally and physically. An activity that seems physically consensual is not always mentally consensual; there is often a reluctance and confusion that is not apparent through simple visual observation. Many psychological and physical tests can be performed on victims of sexual abuse to help them accurately understand their situation and how they have been affected by it. Although most reviews of sexual abuse cases are too difficult to obtain accurate statistics, given that there are many variations in terms of severity, age, girth...... middle of paper ......abuse leaves a controversial trail of after-effects. "Science News September 25, 1993: 202+.General OneFile. Web. March 12, 2014." Childhood sexual abuse impacts sexual development." Women's Health Weekly July 17, 2003: 50. General OneFile. Web. March 12, 2014. "Facts about child sexual abuse." - The Children's Assessment Center Houston, Texas USA The Children's Assessment Center, nd Web, March 12, 2014. Daugherty, Lynn B. Why Me? Helping Victims of Child Sexual Abuse, Even if They're Adults Now. Mother Courage, 1984. Print. HAGEN, MARGARET A. “Damaged Goods?” January 2001: 54. General OneFile Web, March 12, 2014. Didn't Learn About Sex from Your Parents: A Guide to a Sensitive Subject Colorado Springs, CO: TH1NK, 2006. Print. “What is Sexual Abuse?” Definition of Sexual Abuse. 2009. Web.. 2014.