Glossary of Terms
Below are common terms you may see on this website or hear during your visit to the CAC. If you ever hear a word, acronym, or phrase you do not understand, please ask a member of our team to explain it.
Below are common terms you may see on this website or hear during your visit to the CAC. If you ever hear a word, acronym, or phrase you do not understand, please ask a member of our team to explain it.
Anyone who has not yet reached their 18th birthday.
Child sexual abuse occurs when a person forces, pressures, or manipulates a child to take part in sexual activities. This may or may not involve physical violence, and a child may not fully understand what is happening.
Abuse may include physical contact such as rape, oral sex, or non-penetrative acts like kissing, touching over clothing, or masturbation. It can also include non-contact activities such as exposing a child to sexual images or behaviors, encouraging sexually inappropriate behavior, or grooming a child for future abuse.
Child sexual abuse can also occur online, where technology may be used to exploit or manipulate a child. Offenders may be adults or other children.
Images, videos, or other content that show sexually explicit activities involving a child. This may include photographs, videos, live-streamed content, digital images, or computer-generated content.
Child sexual exploitation occurs when a person or group takes advantage of a child under 18 by manipulating, coercing, or deceiving them into sexual activity in exchange for something the child wants or needs, such as attention, gifts, money, or shelter. It can also involve benefits for the perpetrator, such as financial gain or increased status. Exploitation may happen in person or through technology.
Under Michigan law, a child under the age of 16 cannot legally consent to sexual activity. Even when a young person is between 16 and 18, sexual activity may still be illegal if the other person is in a position of authority or power over them.
Disclosure is when a child or survivor shares information about abuse. This can happen directly or indirectly, and may be intentional or accidental.
A structured conversation with a child conducted by a specially trained professional. The goal is to allow the child to share information about possible abuse in a safe, neutral, and developmentally appropriate way. The interview follows state protocols and helps reduce the number of times a child must tell their story.
The process an offender uses to prepare a child, caregivers, or an environment for abuse. Grooming may involve building trust, manipulating emotions, isolating the child, or gradually exposing them to sexual content or behaviors.
A group of professionals who work together to respond to child abuse cases. The MDT may include law enforcement, Child Protective Services, prosecutors, medical professionals, mental health providers, and CAC staff such as the forensic interviewer and family advocate. The team collaborates to protect the child, investigate concerns, and coordinate support services.
A specially trained nurse who provides medical exams for individuals who may have experienced sexual abuse or assault. SANEs provide compassionate care and may collect medical evidence when appropriate.
An approach that recognizes how trauma affects each child differently. CAC staff and MDT partners provide care that prioritizes safety, trust, and emotional support while helping reduce the risk of re-traumatization.
A person who has experienced harm or abuse. Responsibility for abuse always lies with the offender, never the child.