Learn4 min
Sexual abuse and coercion
Consent, pressure and why 'giving in' is not the same as saying yes.
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Sexual abuse within a relationship includes any sexual contact or activity that happens without free, willing and ongoing consent. Coercion can look like persistent pressure, guilt, sulking, threats, or making you feel that refusing will cost you safety, affection or peace. Agreeing because refusing feels unsafe is not consent.
Some things worth knowing
- Consent can be withdrawn at any point, including after it was given
- Being in a relationship or marriage does not remove the need for consent
- Being pressured into acts you are uncomfortable with is a form of abuse
- Confusion, freezing or going along with it are common survival responses, not agreement
If this section is difficult, it is completely okay to close it and return another day, or not at all.