Childhood sexual violence spans the globe in different settings and environments affecting children of all ages. It is much more than one type of sexual act, and many experiences occur with other forms of violence against children. Childhood sexual violence is fundamentally a crime of power with sexual and/or economic motivations.

Physical contact incudes sexual abuse, rape, incest, sexual violence within intimate relationships and sexual exploitation. Forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities either in person or online, whether the child is aware or not of what is happening, is childhood sexual violence.