NCJ Number
218054
Journal
Violence and Victims Volume: 22 Issue: 1 Dated: 2007 Pages: 71-94
Date Published
2007
Length
24 pages
Annotation
Using quantitative and qualitative data, this study examined similarities and differences in coercive and degrading sexual tactics experienced by women who did (n=31) and did not (n=31) report forced sexual victimization.
Abstract
Both the qualitative and quantitative data indicate that many women in violent intimate relationships, regardless of whether they report forced sexual attacks, are not comfortable with the sexual component of the relationship for a variety of reasons. These include the partner's selfishness, the woman's being uncomfortable with sex, and perception that the partner uses sex as another way of controlling them or as an attempt to make up with them after a fight. Violent partners used a range of nonphysical tactics of sexual coercion, including verbal manipulation, verbal pressure, substance use, and implicit threats/force. Some women described persistent pressure for sex that lasted for days, to the extent of interfering with the woman's sleep, caring for children, and other duties. It is important to appreciate that this nonphysical coercion and associated stress occurred within the context of a violent relationship. The women who experienced such humiliating and degrading sexual tactics within a violent relationship had more mental health symptoms than women who did not experience such pressure for sex. Future research should focus on the various ways in which women resist unwanted sexual relations in an abusive relationship and how various tactics influence the nature and frequency of the partner's abuse. The women selected for the study must have reported recent (within the last 6 months) stalking victimization by a physically violent current or former partner and must have been at least 18 years old. Half of the women were selected for the study based on their reports of forced sex by the stalking partner; half were selected because they did not report any forced sex. 2 tables and 53 references