Sexual coercion involves pressuring, manipulating, or guilting someone into sexual activity against their will. Unlike overt physical force, it often operates in subtle, insidious ways. It can sound like flattery (“I miss you so much”), guilt-tripping (“I’m just sad because we didn’t last night”), or relentless persistence (“Just for a minute”).
What makes sexual coercion particularly dangerous is its capacity to erode autonomy and safety over time. Survivors frequently wrestle with feelings of shame or confusion, struggling to name what happened because it doesn’t align with traditional narratives of sexual violence.
My own experience began with seemingly minor boundary violations—dismissed as jokes or harmless teasing. Over time, these “jokes” escalated, and I found myself flinching at even the most casual touch. My discomfort was disregarded, my “no” was ignored, and my body became a battleground for someone else’s entitlement.
When I finally began sharing my story, the outpouring of similar experiences from others was overwhelming. It exposed a heartbreaking truth: this wasn’t just my story. It was part of a pervasive pattern that affects countless people, leaving them to navigate the aftermath of stolen boundaries and compromised autonomy.
In this four-part series, which will be released every Monday this month on my Substack, we’ll explore the nuanced layers of sexual coercion, from defining it to breaking it down into recognizable patterns, unpacking the impact, and finally, sharing strategies for healing and resistance. By naming and discussing this often-overlooked form of abuse, we aim to shine a light on an issue that thrives in silence.
Read the full post on Substack here: https://open.substack.com/pub/jessicaknightcoaching/p/what-is-sexual-coercion?r=1ecj9w&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
