Consider the issues of sexual coercion and the tips provided in your text. What advice would you give to an incoming college student to help them avoid this?

Answer:

Sexual coercion is another type of negative, potentially violent, interaction in which the participants' communication is of importance (Willan & Pollard, 2003). People often find it difficult to discuss sexual coercion. Part of the problem arises from lack of clarity on what it is. Sexual coercion is most effectively defined as "the act of using pressure, alcohol or drugs, or force to have sexual contact with someone against his or her will . . . (including) persistent attempts to have sexual contact with someone who has already refused" (Struckman-Johnson, Struckman- Johnson, & Anderson, 2003, p. 76). Some people believe that a person who "gives in" to such pressure is equally to blame; however, sometimes people engage in unwanted sex because of concern for the relationship, difficulty with resisting pressure, or real concern for personal safety. Individuals of all sexes and sexual orientations experience unwanted sexual behaviors, though the degree to which groups experience it differs. Finding reliable figures on these experiences is difficult. There are some specific ways to respond to sexual pressure:
"I really like you. I'm just not ready to have sex."
"If you really care about me, you'll respect my decision."
"I said no. I don't owe you an explanation."
Other ways you can protect yourself from being a target or a perpetrator is to avoid drinking or being around people who are drinking or not isolating yourself from other people in your environment. Most importantly, be clear to yourself about what you want. Indecisive people can be coerced or persuaded to engage in behavior they will later regret.