What is Coercion?

Coercion is a common tool used by perpetrators in sexual assault. Coercion is the use of pressure, threats and/or intimidation to force another to engage in sexual activity. Some examples of coercion are:

  • Constantly putting pressure on someone (pleading, repeatedly asking)
  • Making someone feel guilty (“if you love me, you’ll…”)
  • Threatening to withhold or do something (“I’ll break up with you…”)
  • Making false promises (“if you do this, I promise I won’t ask for anything else”)
  • Implied threat (blocking the path to the door, use of physical size) 

 

It is estimated that over 80% of survivors who are sexually assaulted do not report the incident(s) due to feelings of shame and humiliation or fear of re-victimization through the criminal trial process.








Crucial 3 days:

Obtaining medical care after a sexual assault is an important option. You may have some injuries. You may be worried about getting a sexually transmitted disease or of becoming pregnant.

Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres are located within a hospital and provide a team of nurses and doctors who are specially trained to care for people who have been sexually assaulted. There is a doctor and a nurse on call 24 hours a day to help individuals following a sexual assault. The Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres provide: medical treatment; documentation should you consider now or in the future to inform the police; safety planning and risk assessment; social work/counselling services; referrals to services in your community; cultural interpretation services; and, follow-up services.

Click on this link to locate a Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres near you. http://www.satcontario.com/ 


Other links relevant to sexual assault:

  • What is Sexual Assault?
  • What is Sexual Harassment?
  • What assistance can the Community Safety Office provide?
  • Impacts of Sexual Assault