What is Sexual Coercion?
The Office on Women’s Health defines sexual coercion as “unwanted sexual activity that happens when you are pressured, tricked, threatened, or forced in a non-physical way.” These psychological maneuvers can make a victim feel powerless when a predator is being sexually manipulative. Knowing these warning signs can help you stay protected.
Is Sexual Coercion a Crime?
Yes, sexual coercion is considered a crime in many countries around the world, including the United States. While the specific laws may vary from state to state, sexual coercion is almost always classified as a form of sexual abuse, which does not always need to be violent or physical in nature.
For example, while California does not have a specific law focused on sexual coercion, the wording of the state's rape law does make sexual coercion illegal (specifically the mention of duress):
“Rape is an act of sexual intercourse accomplished with a person not the spouse of the perpetrator, under any of the following circumstances... (2) Where it is accomplished against a person’s will by means of force, violence, duress, menace, or fear of immediate and unlawful bodily injury on the person or another.”
Depending on the jurisdiction, sexual coercion may be prosecuted as sexual assault, rape, or another form of sexual violence. It is important to seek help and support if you have experienced sexual coercion and to report it to the appropriate authorities.
Who Can Become a Victim of Sexual Coercion?
Anyone is susceptible to becoming a victim of sexual coercion. However, sexual coercion is most likely to happen with someone you already have an established relationship with such as:
- Dates
- Partners
- Friends
- Co-workers
- Bosses
- Landlords
What are the Commonly Used Sexual Coercion Tactics?
Sexual coercion can come in many forms to get you to participate in sexual activity that you are uncomfortable with or do not consent to. Here are some things someone might do and say to get their way sexually:
- Wear you down - “If you really loved me, you would do it.”
- Make you feel it’s too late to say no - “You already have me all worked up.”
- Tell you that not having sex will jeopardize your relationship - “If you don’t give me sex, I’ll break up with you.”
- Threaten to spread rumors about you - “I’ll just tell everyone we did it anyway.”
- Make promises to reward you for sex - “You know I have a lot of connections that could get you ahead.”
- Threaten your job or school career - “You’ve put in a lot of hard work, I’d hate to see something change that.”
- Threaten to reveal your sexual orientation - “If you don’t have sex with me, I’ll tell everyone you are gay.”
Were You a Victim of Sexual Coercion? We Are Here to Help.
In many cases, sexual coercion can be a form of sexual violence. If you’ve been a victim of sexual coercion, KMD Law will be your advocate to hold the offender responsible for their actions.
You have the right to pursue a civil suit, and we’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve so you can move on and gain closure. We have extensive experience in this area of law, especially in the entertainment industry. When it comes to privacy-sensitive cases, you can trust our firm to protect you.
Contact KMD Law at (833) 456-3529 to schedule a consultation.
