Pornography Use is Sexual Coercion

Sexual Coercion Strips Women of Their Right to Informed Consent

Didn’t Consent? Coerced Into Sex? That is Partner Rape

After painful sexual encounters with their partners, many women wonder why they are in such crippling physical and emotional pain. Partner rape is far more common than society realizes and represents. 

Are You a Victim of Partner Rape?

Partner Rape Looks Like This:

• A woman saying no repeatedly, but being ignored or “talked into it” by her partner (when a woman says no even one time and a sexual encounter happens anyway, she has been raped)
• A man repeatedly asking for sex and making life unbearable for his partner until she gives in to his demands (this is often done by keeping her awake until she is too tired to keep saying no, threatening to hurt himself or someone else if she doesn’t give in, or knowingly pressing her most emotional buttons until she caves)
• “Incrementally raping” a woman by agreeing not to penetrate, but asking for other sexual favors, then gradually forcing himself upon her
• Normalizing his expectations: making claims that because he is male, he deserves/needs/requires sexual contact and that it is her duty as his partner to give in to his demands
• Any degree of physical force or intimidation intended to get her to give in
• A man giving his partner drugs or alcohol to get her to be more willing to comply with his sexual demands
• “Sexual Blackmail”: a man saying that he did ____, so she owes him sex. 
• Implying or overtly stating that if she does not comply with his demands that he will commit infidelity
• Sulking, acting with resentment, yelling, crying, or punishing the victim when she says no

Repeated Sexual Trauma Causes Sexual Pain

It is no wonder that so many victims of betrayal trauma and emotional abuse suffer from chronic pelvic and sexual pain. When women are repeatedly sexually coerced and raped by their partners, it stands to reason that their bodies will suffer.

Each woman’s situation is different, and what she will need to heal from the pain of abuse is unique as she is. However, at BTR, we believe that all women are capable of healing and finding peace.

Women Can Protect Themselves From Abuse

Victims of emotional and sexual abuse can set and maintain boundaries that protect them from further abuse. Boundaries are not requests, statements, or ultimatums. They are courageous actions that women take to separate themselves and their children from abuse.

Betrayal Trauma Recovery Supports Victims of Abuse

The Betrayal Trauma Recovery Group meets daily in every time zone. Join a supportive community of women from all over the world, led by a certified BTR coach.

Tune in to the free BTR Podcast and hear other abuse victims’ stories of survival and triumph over abuse.

And remember, you are not alone.