Sexual Coercion

Sexual Coercion is being persuaded to have sex when you don't really want to.

Sometimes, a person believes he or she is freely choosing sex. But in reality, someone or something is making the person feel that he or she has to have sex-or that sex is the right personal choice. 

Unwanted sex is not healthy- physically or emotionally. Having sex always carries some risk. It can lead to:

  • Pregnancy-no birth control method is 100% effective.
  •  Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)- some STDs can make you unable to have a baby or cause other problems, and some, like HIV, can kill you.
  •  Emotional problems- having sex when you're not ready can lower your self-esteem and cause feelings of anxiety, guilt and shame. 

* Choosing not to have sex can help you feel good about yourself. 

Recognize sexual coercion

It can take many forms, including:

Pressure

The person may say that:

  • everybody's doing it
  • sex is the way to prove love
  • you've had sex before so you can't say no now.
  • None of these are true! 

Threats

The person may threaten to hurt or leave you if you won't have sex. You may feel afraid to say no.

Other forms

of sexual coercion include:

  • giving compliments that sound extreme or insincere 
  • put-downs or guilt trips
  • buying gifts or spending money to make you feel you "owe" sex.
  • Remember-you never owe anyone sex! 

Are you experiencing sexual coercion? 

If you can answer yes to any of these questions, you may be having sex-or considering having sex- for the wrong reasons. You may even be experiencing sexual coercion. 

  1. Do you feel pressure from your partner, date or friends?
  2.  Do you want to have sex because you are curious or just want to "get it over with"? 
  3.  Do you feel like "everyone else is doing it"? 
  4.  Have you ever felt bad or had doubts about a decision to have sex? 
  5.  Are there times you don't want to have sex, but feel like you can't say no?
  6.  Have you ever had a sexual experience that left you frightened or feeling guilty?
  7.  Have you had sex without using a latex condom because your partner didn't want to use one? 

Stay Focus! Go here to get tips on how to avoid unwanted sex!