Across the United States, sexual abuse is more common than you might think and is not always understood in its full definition. In fact, in his book Why Me? Help for victims of child sexual abuse (even if they are now adults), Lynn B. Daugherty, Ph.D., states that one in four children is subject to some type of sexual abuse by the time they reach eighteen. This means that 25% of children experience some form of sexual abuse before they become adults. While it is often considered physical harm during sexual intercourse, sexual abuse is much more than that. So, what does sexual abuse really involve and what are the long-term effects of sexual abuse on children? Sexual abuse is any type of non-consensual sexual contact. Child sexual abuse is sexual abuse committed by an adult or an older child. These acts may include such things as inappropriate touching, penetration, encouragement of sexual activity including prostitution, intentional engagement in sexual acts in front of a child, and pornography. Sexual abuse also includes any sexual act caused by deception, entrapment, force or corruption. Contrary to popular opinion, manipulation is a real thing and is actually used to harm people emotionally and physically. An activity that appears physically consensual is not always mentally consensual; reluctance and confusion often occur that are not evident from visual observation alone. Many different psychological and physical tests can be performed on victims of sexual abuse to help accurately understand their situations and how they have been affected. While it is too difficult to get accurate statistics on most sexual abuse case reviews, because there is so much variation in severity, age, girth... half the paper... abuse leaves a controversial trail of effects collaterals. ." Science News 25 September 1993: 202+. General OneFile. Web. 12 March 2014. "Childhood sexual abuse affects the development of sexuality." Women's Health Weekly 17 July 2003: 50. General OneFile. Web. 12 March 2014 "Facts about Child Sexual Abuse." They're Adults Now. Racine, WI: Mother Courage, 1984. Print.HAGEN, MARGARET A. "Damaged Goods?" 2014 You Didn't Learn From Your Parents About Sex: A Guide to a Sensitive Topic, Colorado Springs, CO: TH1NK, 2006. Print."What is the Definition of Sexual Abuse?". 2014.