Consider the issue of sexual coercion and the tips provided in your text. What advice would you give to an incoming college student to help them avoid becoming a target?

Question

Please provide the best answer for the best statement.

Answer 1

Answer: Sexual coercion is a type of negative, potentially violent interaction in which the participants’ communication is important. A variety of tips could be given to individuals to help prevent themselves from becoming victims. First, the ability to discuss consent is one important way. The ability to talk about what each party wants and would willingly participate in needs to be articulated and respected. Second, don’t discount your partner’s refusal. That is, don’t assume that your partner is using token resistance, that is, saying no then giving in; any indication of reluctance or refusal should be honored. If anyone tries to persuade you into sexual contact that you do not want, do not engage in arguing or explaining your position. Other ways you can protect yourself from being a target is to avoid drinking or being around people who are drinking or isolating yourself from other people in your environment. Most importantly, be clear to yourself about what you want. Indecisive people can be coerced or persuaded to engage in behavior they will later regret. Finally, if your partner makes comments such as “If you value me and our relationship, you’ll have sex with me” or “We’ve had sex before, so you can’t say no” or attempts to make you feel that you “owe” him or her sex because of money your partner has spent, recognize that you are probably experiencing sexual coercion.