How does Illinois law define "sexual abuse"?

Illinois law defines "sexual abuse" in a comprehensive manner, focusing specifically on acts involving sexual conduct or sexual exploitation that affect a child. This definition emphasizes that any actions that exploit or conduct sexual activities with a minor are considered abusive, reflecting the seriousness with which the law treats the protection of children from such harm.

This understanding of sexual abuse serves to cover a wide range of inappropriate behaviors, ensuring that any violation of a child's rights, particularly in a sexual context, is addressed legally. Therefore, comforting legal structures are put in place to safeguard children and provide clear criteria for what constitutes sexual abuse, highlighting the focus on the exploitation and abuse of minors in various forms.

In this context, the other choices do not encapsulate the legal definition as clearly or as fully. Inappropriate touching is only a subset of behaviors and does not encompass the broader implications of sexual exploitation. Similarly, sexual harassment pertains primarily to unwanted actions of a sexual nature in educational environments, which doesn't include the full scope of sexual abuse involving children. Finally, consensual relationships, while they may be complex, do not apply to scenarios involving minors and should be viewed differently in the context of legal definitions surrounding abuse.