Coercion - meaning and definition
Alsosexual coercionpressurecoercedpressured into sexsexual pressure
Definition
Coercion is using pressure, threats, guilt, manipulation or persistent pleading to make someone agree to something they would not otherwise choose.
At a glance
- Pressuring someone into something they would not otherwise choose.
- Can involve threats, guilt, manipulation, sulking or repeated requests after a no.
- Agreement obtained through coercion is not freely given.
- It is common within existing relationships, where it can be hard to recognise.
In detail
Sexual coercion can be obvious, such as threats to leave or to share private images, or subtle, such as repeated requests after a no, sulking, accusing a partner of not loving them, or implying that intimacy is owed. Agreement obtained this way is not freely given.
Coercion is common within existing relationships, where it can be harder to recognise. Anyone who feels they cannot say no without consequences may find it helpful to talk to a trusted person or a relationship abuse helpline.
In a sentence
- Asking again and again after a no is coercion, not persistence.
- She only realised later that the constant guilt-tripping was a form of coercion.
Where the word comes from
From the Latin coercere, meaning to restrain or confine.
Common questions
What are signs of sexual coercion?
Repeated requests after a no, sulking or anger when refused, implying that intimacy is owed, threats to leave or to share private images, and accusations such as "you would if you loved me" are all common signs.
Is it consent if I said yes because of pressure?
Agreement given because of pressure, threats or fear is not freely given consent. If this is happening to you, talking to a trusted person or a relationship abuse or domestic abuse helpline can help.