Many survivors struggle with uncertainty about whether what they experienced was sexual coercion. Often involving subtle psychological and emotional manipulation, sexual coercion can leave victims questioning themselves or confused.
At Andreozzi + Foote, our trauma-informed lawyers are dedicated to helping survivors recognize sexual coercion, understand their legal rights, and hold individuals or institutions accountable for sexual misconduct.
Understanding Sexual Coercion: Definition and Key Characteristics
No one should ever be pressured or forced into sexual activity. Sexual coercion can be confusing and distressing, often leaving lasting damage and emotional effects. Understanding what sexual coercion is can help people recognize unsafe situations and provide support to those who have experienced it.
What Is Sexual Coercion?
Sexual coercion occurs when someone uses pressure, manipulation, threats, guilt, or other non-physical tactics to compel another person into sexual activity without their willing consent. It can range from indirect suggestions or promises to clear and direct threats. Even without physical force, sexual coercion constitutes sexual assault and abuse because it eliminates true consent.
Key Characteristics of Sexual Coercion
Sexual coercion takes many forms and involves actions that violate consent and personal boundaries. Indicators may include:
- Lack of consent: The victim does not freely agree to sexual activity. Consent may be missing or gained through manipulation. Individuals who are intoxicated or unconscious cannot give genuine consent.
- Disregard for refusal or boundaries: The coercer ignores verbal or nonverbal refusals, continues sexual advances after being told no, or assumes consent for one act applies to others.
- Pressure, manipulation, or fear: The coercer uses persistent requests, deception, guilt, threats, or intimidation to influence the person.
- Exploiting vulnerabilities or power imbalances: The coercer may use their authority or influence to persuade the victim. Coercers often target individuals who are younger, socially isolated, emotionally or financially dependent, or under the influence of substances.
Sexual coercion is a goal-directed behavior that places the coercer’s sexual desire above the other person’s choices and well-being.
How Sexual Coercion Differs From Genuine Consent
Sexual coercion and genuine consent cannot coexist. For consent to be genuine, all parties must have the mental capacity to understand the agreement, participate voluntarily, and act without mistakes or misrepresentations. The key elements of genuine consent include:
- Freely given: Consent is given without any pressure, manipulation, or threats.
- Enthusiastic: Both people actively want to participate.
- Informed: Both people understand what they are agreeing to.
- Specific: Saying yes once does not mean yes always.
- Reversible: Consent can be withdrawn at any moment.
Being in a relationship does not automatically grant consent. Silence or passive agreement should never be interpreted as a form of consent.
Examples of Common Sexual Coercion Tactics
Examples of the forms sexual coercion may take include the following:
- Persistence: This involves pressuring someone with constant requests or making them feel it is too late to say no.
- Emotional manipulation: This can include using guilt, emotional blackmail, or excessive flattery to override judgment.
- Threats and intimidation: The coercer uses fear by threatening harm to the person, their family, or their reputation.
- Exploiting power dynamics: The coercer uses authority or social status to push someone into sexual activity. For instance, a manager might promise benefits or threaten consequences.
- Subtle coercion: The tactics might be more subtle, like creating a sense of obligation through relationship dynamics or favors, or implying that sex is “owed” as a quid pro quo. For example, “I did this for you, you should do this for me.”
- Gifts or money: This may include offering gifts, money, or meals in exchange for sexual favors, whether explicit or implied.
- Substance use: Encouraging or providing alcohol or drugs to impair judgment and weaken the ability to freely consent. Consent is not valid if someone is under the influence of alcohol or drugs or is unconscious.
For additional information, read our guide on how to spot the warning signs of sexual abuse.
Where Sexual Coercion Happens
Sexual coercion can happen in any environment and can be carried out by anyone, not just romantic partners. Examples of common settings include:
- Schools and universities: Educators, coaches, students, or school staff
- Workplaces: Supervisors, colleagues, or clients
- Care facilities or institutions: Health care workers, nursing home workers, gynecologists, patients, or visitors
- Churches or religious spaces: Clergy, congregation members, or guests
- Online or digital spaces: Acquaintances, family members, or other online contacts
Coercion focuses on exploiting power and control, rather than mutual desire or consent.
The Emotional and Psychological Impact on Survivors
Sexual coercion can leave long-term emotional and psychological effects, often resembling trauma from other forms of sexual assault. These effects may include the following:
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Depression
- Difficulty managing daily life
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fear
- Guilt and shame
- Negative self-image
- Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD
- Relationship and social challenges
Support from trained professionals and emotional care can aid in the healing process.
Is Sexual Coercion Illegal? Understanding the Law
Sexual coercion is illegal because it involves non-consensual sexual conduct and is considered a form of sexual assault. However, laws vary by state. Some, like New York, have criminal statutes that directly address sexual coercion, while others, such as Florida, include it under broader sexual assault laws.
While criminal law focuses on the perpetrator, civil cases can hold institutions accountable for creating conditions that allowed the abuse to occur. Victims may recover damages for emotional and physical suffering, medical expenses, and other losses. Compensation amounts depend on the nature and severity of the conduct and the impacts of the harm.
Andreozzi + Foote tracks sexual coercion laws across states and can explain available options to protect your rights. We understand how overwhelming these situations can feel. We are here to support you and prioritize your well-being at every stage of the process.
For more related to this topic, read our blog post on understanding consent laws across America.
What To Do if You Have Experienced Sexual Coercion
If you have experienced sexual coercion, it is normal to feel uncertain or overwhelmed. You deserve support, understanding, and guidance. Trusted medical, emotional, and legal resources are available to you. The following are key actions to take if you have experienced sexual coercion:
Seek Medical and Emotional Support
It is important to receive medical care, particularly if there were physical injuries or if protection, such as condoms, was not used. A therapist with experience in trauma and sexual assault can provide emotional guidance. Survivors may also reach out to local sexual assault organizations for support.
RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline is available at any time, offering help through calls, texts, or online chat.
Document the Event and Preserve Evidence
Write down everything you remember about the event, including the date and location. Keep any messages or communications related to the incident and note the names of any witnesses.
Consult an Attorney
Speak with a trauma-informed lawyer to discuss your next steps. It is never too late to come forward. You do not need evidence, certainty, or a plan to reach out. You only need someone who will listen and explain your options to you. Whether you are a survivor, a parent, or a loved one, the attorneys at Andreozzi + Foote are here to support you with compassion, confidentiality, and professionalism.
How Andreozzi + Foote Helps Survivors of Sexual Coercion
If you are considering legal action, we are here to help. Your consultation is free, confidential, and without obligation. Everything you share will be confidential, and we will treat you with the utmost care and respect.
Contact us online or call (866) 311-8640 to take the first step toward justice and healing.