Use of Sexual Coercion as a Control Tactic by Abusive Men

• In Event: Difficult-to-Detect-Violence: An Empirical and Political Discussion

Abstract

While the definition of sexual coercion varies slightly across studies, the core tenet focuses on obtaining sex with an unwilling partner using verbal coercion without the use of physical force or overt aggression (DeGue & DiLillo, 2004). Using verbal tactics such as nagging, pressuring, manipulating, or threats, the coercer generally obtains compliance (Basile, 1999). While this type of coercion has been studied in college students, less research has been conducted on its use in violent relationships. Accordingly, sexual coercion was assessed in 82 men mandated for treatment for domestic violence. The Multidimensional Sexual Coercion Questionnaire (Raghavan & Cohen, 2014) and a qualitative interview were utilized to assess for coercion. Preliminary results indicated that about 40% of men used sexual coercion to obtain sex on a regular basis with less than 20% admitting to using force. The results suggest that assessing only sex obtained through force and violent threats may underestimate the actual rates of sexual misconduct in violent men. Further, while some of these tactics do not meet legal definitions of rape or sexual assault, such tactics are likely to impact victims’ psychological state negatively and therefore, should be considered as part of a constellation of abusive tactics that intimate partner abusers use to control their partners.

Authors

• Chitra Raghavan, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Jennifer Loveland, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Abbie Tuller, North Brooklyn Coalition Against Family Violence