Nonconsensual Sex
- Document number
- 1583
- Date
- 2005
- Title
- Nonconsensual Sex
- Author/publisher
- Family Health International
- Availability
- View/save PDF version of this document
- Document type(s)
- Research/Study/Analysis,
- Keywords
- Volume 23 Number 4, 2005, Unionisation of sex workers; Women's rights; Women; Control and regulation of prostitution, Protection, Punishable forms of prostitution, Prostitution; Sex work; Clients, Abolitionism; New Abolitionism; Prohibitionism; Regulationism, Sex tourism, Pornography, Domestic violence, Prostitution, Rape, Sexual harassment, Exploitation
- Summary
- Experts warn that nonconsensual sexmay underlie some of the most tenacious andoften life-threatening reproductive healthproblems of the time: unintended pregnancy(and its complications) and the acquisitionof not only HIV but also other sexually transmittedinfections (STIs) that can cause cervicalcancer and infertility. The widespreadexistence of forced sex means that commonSTI/HIV prevention approaches emphasizingabstinence, faithfulness in relationships,and condom use cannot protect all peoplefrom these infections.Definitions of nonconsensual sex vary,complicating attempts to measure its overallprevalence or to compare its prevalenceamong various settings. However, all definitionsrest on a common foundation: a lackof full and free choice in decisions toengage in sexual relations. Physical forceor the threat of it can rob victims of thischoice. But intense psychological, emotional,and financial pressure or a fear ofsocial consequences also can compel individualsto relinquish their right to resistunwanted sexual advances.Types and characteristics of nonconsensualsex reported from diverse settingsthroughout the world cover a broad spectrum.But the following trends are clear:• Settings that would appear to providethe greatest protection against abuse,such as homes, schools, and even healthcare facilities, often present considerablerisk.• Most victims know their abusers.• A substantial proportion of victims areyoung.• Most victims are women or girls.• Such forms of sexual coercion as childor marital sexual abuse are ongoing andmay grow worse over time
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