what is sexual coercion

Sexual coercion is a type of sexual assault where a person pressures, tricks, threatens, or manipulates someone into having sex, even if they say yes. It is unwanted sexual activity that happens when someone is pressured, tricked, threatened, or forced in a nonphysical way. Sexual coercion can make someone feel like they owe sex to someone else, and it can be from someone who has power over them, like a teacher, landlord, or boss. Sexual coercion can take many forms, and it can vary from being egged on and persuaded to being forced to have contact. It can be verbal and emotional, in the form of statements that make someone feel pressure, guilt, or shame, or it can be more subtle actions that make someone feel forced. Sexual coercion can happen in any type of relationship, including between strangers, and it can occur even if someone says yes. Some examples of sexual coercion include being worn down by someone who repeatedly asks for sex, being lied to or promised things that weren’t true to trick someone into having sex, and being made to feel like they owe someone sex. It is important to remember that no person is ever required to have sex with someone else, and consenting to a sex act is just that: consent for one action. If someone feels like they have been sexually coerced, they should seek help and support from a trusted friend, family member, or professional.