Which type of abuse involves acts intended to give sexual gratification to an adult through a child?

Child sexual abuse specifically refers to acts where an adult engages in sexual behaviors with a child. This type of abuse is characterized by the exploitation of a child for the sexual gratification of the adult. It encompasses a wide range of activities, from inappropriate touching and fondling to more severe forms of sexual exploitation, including the use of a child in pornography or sexual acts.

The distinction from other forms of abuse is significant. For example, child physical abuse involves non-accidental physical harm to a child, such as hitting or beating, which does not inherently involve sexual activities. Child neglect pertains to the failure to meet a child's basic needs, such as food, shelter, or medical care. Child psychological abuse includes behaviors that harm a child's emotional development and self-worth, such as verbal abuse or constant criticism, but again does not involve sexual components.

Thus, the emphasis on sexual gratification in the context of exploiting a child makes child sexual abuse the correct identification of this specific type of abuse, clearly differentiating it from physical, neglectful, and psychological abuse.