Final answer:
In California, sexual abuse of a client is considered a crime in the specific situations where a psychotherapist or doctor engages in sexual contact or intercourse with their client or patient, respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the state of California, sexual abuse of a client is considered a crime in several occasions. One example is when a psychotherapist engages in sexual contact or intercourse with a client, as it is a violation of their professional relationship. This is a criminal offense under California law.
Another example is when sexual abuse occurs in the context of a doctor-patient relationship. It is illegal for a doctor to engage in sexual contact or intercourse with their patient, as it is a breach of their professional duty and can result in criminal charges.
It is important to note that consent is not a defense in these situations, as the professional relationship creates a power imbalance that makes it impossible for the client to give true and voluntary consent.