The consequences of sexual coercion on long-term relational health can be devastating and long-lasting. Sexual coercion refers to when one person pressures another into having nonconsensual sexual contact against their will. This could include physical force, threats of violence, manipulation, intimidation, guilt tripping, gaslighting, blackmailing, emotional abuse, or other forms of psychological control. It is important to note that sexual coercion does not necessarily involve physical penetration or even touching but rather any unwanted sexual behavior. The effects of sexual coercion can range from feelings of shame, guilt, fear, humiliation, anxiety, depression, PTSD, low self-esteem, trust issues, relationship problems, intimacy issues, communication difficulties, power imbalances, and more. Victims may also experience flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance behaviors, hypervigilance, dissociative symptoms, and difficulty in regulating emotions. These negative outcomes can last for months, years, or even decades after the incident and can impact every aspect of a victim's life including relationships with family members, friends, coworkers, and romantic partners. Long-term relational health may suffer as victims struggle to communicate effectively about their needs and boundaries while dealing with trauma and the aftermath of the experience. They may feel isolated and alone in their experiences which can further damage their ability to form close connections with others. Healing from sexual coercion requires professional help such as therapy and support groups. Victims need to process their trauma, learn how to set clear boundaries, and work through any underlying issues that contributed to the situation. Relationships require trust, respect, openness, honesty, empathy, mutuality, and vulnerability which are all challenged by traumatic events like this one. With time and effort, however, couples can rebuild trust and move forward together towards a stronger bond built on mutual understanding and support. It is important to recognize the signs of potential sexual coercion early on so that it can be prevented before it becomes an issue.
What are the consequences of sexual coercion on long-term relational health?
One possible consequence of sexual coercion is that it can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and low self-esteem in both parties involved. Victims may feel powerless and unable to express their needs or desires, while perpetrators may experience difficulty regulating their impulses and understanding the impact of their actions on others. Additionally, repeated incidents of coercive behavior may erode trust and intimacy within the relationship, leading to communication breakdown and increased conflict.