Sexual Violence and Coercion in Close Relationships

Abstract

This chapter covers the prevalence and seriousness of sexual violence and coercion in close relationships. The discussion includes sexual coercion of both females and males in both heterosexual and homosexual relationships. However the discussion will be limited to adult relationships. Hence sexual coercion in parent-child relationships and sexual harassment occurring in business or academic relationships is beyond the scope of this chapter. Sexual coercion will be construed broadly including nonviolent as well as violent sexual coercion. Nonviolent sexual coercion includes verbal sexual coercion and sexual coercion that results from the social norms and gender roles and the relative power of women and men in society. Moreover this chapter includes the prevalence causes and consequences of sexual violence and coercion in close relationship.