Sexual coercion occurs when a person tricks, threatens, pressures, or intimidates another person into having sexual contact they don’t want. Very often, it’s committed by a person in power, like a teacher, coach, landlord, or boss, who uses their position to pressure the victim into participating in an unwanted sexual act. The National Institute of Health (NIH) states that “Moderate to severe sexual victimization is related to increases in disordered eating behaviors, reduced self-esteem, heightened risk for internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and suicidality.” Victims should know coercion is a duress crime in the state of Texas, and justice is possible.
Dallas sexual assault lawyers at Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP, provide compassionate advocacy and support for survivors seeking justice in the civil courts. Unlike criminal proceedings that deal with unlawful acts, civil cases focus on recovering the maximum compensation possible for victims of nonconsensual sexual violence.
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What Is Sexual Coercion?
As noted above, sexual coercion is a form of sexual abuse that involves using pressure, manipulation, or threats to obtain sexual acts from someone without their full and willing consent. Is sexual coercion a crime? Yes, Texas requires that consent be given freely and voluntarily by a mentally competent person at or above the age of consent.
Examples of Sexual Coercion
As stated, sexual coercion is a crime in Texas. It is not truly consent if you are afraid or unable to say no. It can occur in many ways, including in person, via social media, email, or phone.
Common examples of sexual coercion include the following:
- Removing Agency: You may not say no because you fear the consequences, but you don’t say yes. An offender often uses this gray area to pursue and act on sexual advances, but it is still coercion.
- Imbalance of power: An offender takes advantage of an imbalance of power, i.e., a landlord, boss, or teacher who pressures you into engaging in sexual acts or sending them explicit photos or videos.
- Under the Influence: The offender bought you drinks, hoping you’d “loosen up” so you are too incapacitated to fully understand the potential consequences when they offer to drive you home.
- Emotional Manipulation: A partner may threaten to withhold communication, access to financial resources, threaten a friend or family member, or threaten to end the relationship unless you acquiesce.
Psychology Today reports that “women who experience sexual coercion are more likely to experience post-traumatic stress, self-blame and criticism, depression, anger, and lower sexual desire and satisfaction” and have poorer physical health.
Legal Options for Victims of Sexual Coercion
Sexual coercion is a sensitive and complex area of law. A sexual assault victim in Dallas often pays a high price for coming forward. They can be stalked on social media, shunned by co-workers, or ostracized by members of their community, especially if the offender is a respected member of society or a person of high authority.
When faced with allegations of sexual coercion in Texas, abusers will often point to the eventual consent as proof that the victim willingly participated. However, in Texas, the law states that consent must be given voluntarily and freely, without duress or coercion.
Victims of sexual coercion may pursue legal recourse by reporting the abuse to law enforcement. Victims may also pursue a personal injury lawsuit. If successful, they may receive compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, and loss of companionship and consortium.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
Civil lawsuits based on rape or sexual contact without consent are about much more than monetary payment. This type of litigation effectively holds perpetrators accountable while helping victims achieve closure and recovery. Here at Crowe Arnold & Majors, we are steadfast in the pursuit of justice for victims of sexual violence, exploitation, and sexual assault We recognize the harm suffered by sexual coercion and have the experience to help victims seek compensation through the courts. A Dallas sexual assault victim’s attorney will advocate for your rights and fight for the maximum recovery possible. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you will not pay attorney’s fees unless we win compensation for your injuries.
