Sexual coercion is an all-too-common experience for many people, especially women and people in marginalized communities.

Defined as the use of pressure, threats, or force to obtain sexual activity without consent, it can take many forms and leave lasting emotional and physical scars. If you’ve experienced sexual coercion, you are not alone and there is help available.

What is Sexual Coercion?

Sexual coercion is any type of unwanted sexual behavior or contact that is forced upon someone. This can take many forms, such as:.

Unwanted sexual touching, kissing, or groping
Forced sexual penetration (oral, vaginal, or anal sex)
Pressuring someone to engage in sexual activities they don’t want to do
Using threats, intimidation, or physical force to get sexual activity
Continuing sexual activity despite the other person’s objections

Who is at Risk for Sexual Coercion?

Anyone can experience sexual coercion, but some groups are more at risk than others. Women are typically more at risk than men, but anyone can be a victim. Other groups at increased risk include:.

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Young people, particularly those under 25 years of age
People who have experienced trauma or abuse
LGBTQ+ individuals
People with disabilities
People who are unable to speak up for themselves (e.g. due to social or cultural norms)

What are the Effects of Sexual Coercion?

Sexual coercion can have serious and long-lasting effects on a person’s physical and emotional well-being. Some of the most common effects include:.

Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues
Sleep disturbances
PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
Difficulty trusting others and forming intimate relationships
Dissociation (feeling detached from oneself or one’s surroundings)
Chronic pain or other physical symptoms

What Can You Do if You’ve Experienced Sexual Coercion?

If you’ve experienced sexual coercion, it’s important to remember that it’s not your fault and that you’re not alone. Here are some steps you can take:.

Reach out to a trusted friend or family member for support. Talking about your experience can be difficult, but having someone to listen and support you can be healing.
Seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can help you process your experience, learn coping skills, and work towards healing.
Consider reporting the incident to the police. It’s important to remember, however, that this can be a difficult and traumatic process. It’s important to seek support from a therapist or counselor if you decide to report the incident.
Practice self-care. This can take many forms, such as getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and pleasure.

How Can You Prevent Sexual Coercion?

Preventing sexual coercion requires a collective effort from all of us. Some strategies that can help prevent sexual coercion include:.

Talking openly and honestly about consent with sexual partners
Respecting others’ boundaries and listening to their verbal and nonverbal cues
Challenging cultural and social beliefs that promote sexual violence
Supporting survivors of sexual violence and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions