Which of the following statements about sexual abuse is NOT true?

The statement that sexual abuse can only occur when there has not been a prior consensual relationship is not true. This assertion incorrectly implies that prior consent negates the possibility of abuse occurring. In reality, sexual abuse can happen in situations where there was previous consent, as consent can be revoked at any time, and individuals may feel pressured or unable to say no due to various factors such as fear, manipulation, or coercion.

Understanding sexual abuse requires recognizing that it predominantly concerns the violation of boundaries and the absence of consent at the time of the act, rather than being strictly defined by the history of the relationship. Therefore, acknowledging that sexual abuse can happen under a variety of circumstances—irrespective of past consensual interactions—is crucial to comprehending the broader context of abuse.