Gender Coercion

Gender coercion refers to a form of violence that involves manipulating or pressuring someone based on their gender to engage in behaviors that they don't want to, often in the context of intimate relationships or sexual activity. 

It can manifest in various ways, including reproductive coercion, where someone is pressured to have children or control outcomes of pregnancy, or sexual coercion, where someone is pressured into unwanted sexual activity. 

Key aspects of gender coercion:

Manipulation and pressure:

This can involve emotional manipulation, guilt-tripping, threats, promises, or using authority or power to coerce someone into compliance. 

Unwanted behaviors:

The coerced person is being pressured into actions they don't desire, such as unprotected sex, unwanted pregnancy, or other intimate acts. 

Imbalance of power:

Often, gender coercion involves an imbalance of power, where one person has more influence or control over another, making it harder for the coerced person to refuse. 

Examples of Gender Coercion: 

Reproductive Coercion:
Pressuring a partner to have a child when they don't want to, interfering with contraception, or controlling pregnancy outcomes. 

Sexual Coercion:
Pressuring someone to have sex when they haven't given clear consent, using manipulation, threats, or promises. 

Control over appearance or behavior:
Pressuring someone to conform to certain gendered expectations or restrictions, like clothing choices or social behavior. 

Interference with autonomy:
Denying someone the freedom to make their own choices about their body or relationships, often based on gender roles. 

Where to seek help:   National Domsetic Violence Hotline:  800-799-7233 (SAFE) or text START to 88788.