What constitutes sexual abuse in a legal context?

In a legal context, sexual abuse predominantly encompasses acts of sexual intercourse and inappropriate contact without consent. This definition aligns with broader legal standards that emphasize the presence of non-consensual sexual acts, which can include physical contact, coercion, or any form of unwanted sexual behavior.

Sexual abuse is fundamentally about the violation of an individual's autonomy and the right to consent. When it involves sexual intercourse or any form of inappropriate contact, it succinctly captures the essence of the legal definitions surrounding sexual assault or abuse, laying the groundwork for prosecution and legal consequences.

While the other options include elements that may intersect with abusive behaviors, they do not specifically address the legal framework of sexual abuse to the same extent. For instance, while physical violence and intimidation or emotional manipulation may create a context in which sexual abuse occurs, they do not inherently define sexual abuse in and of themselves. Verbal harassment and persuasion might contribute to a hostile environment but lack the direct implications of physical or sexual nature necessary for legal classification as sexual abuse.