NCJ Number
191948
Journal
Violence and Victims Volume: 16 Issue: 5 Dated: October 2001 Pages: 537-551
Date Published
October 2001
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This study examines sexual coercion in dating situations among young adults ages 18-25.
Abstract
Data for the study were gathered from focus group discussions with a mostly street-involved and sexually diverse (straight, gay, lesbian, and bisexual) sample of young adults. While participants were aware of the risks of unsafe sex, getting sex whenever possible, or getting sex over with outweighed considerations of safer sex and disease transmission. Participants noted that partners could be manipulated or coerced into sex using alcohol and drugs; obligations, expectations, and guilt; and exploitation of emotional and economic vulnerability. Overall, these factors led to an increase in total number of sexual events and particularly to unsafe sex. Participants who had coerced others to get sex showed at best some remorse, or at worst a lack of concern or a triumphant attitude. The study suggests that while sex education and safer sex programs often address sexual negotiation, a focus on changing the behaviors of those who coerce partners into sex is also needed to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. References