The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence claims that between one-third and one-half of all battered women have experienced some form of sexual abuse by their partners. Furthermore, these victims have a greater chance of being gravely injured or killed at the hands of their partners. While physical, emotional and even financial abuse intertwine, here are some telltale signs of sexually abusive relationships.
Forced Sex
It may sound obvious, but if one person is unwilling to engage in sexual activity, demanding sex or physically forcing it is considered aggressive and violent behavior. This is so even if the person forcing things is a partner or spouse, and sex was consensual in the past. In addition, the abuser will oftentimes want to have sex after violent behavior.
Drug Usage
When one person's ability to make decisions is impaired, which is often the result of heavy drinking or recreational drugs, sex may not be consensual. This holds true especially if someone is experiencing pressure to take drugs, is forced to take them or has been given them unknowingly.
Forced Sexual Practices
In a healthy setting, both people determine the nature of the sex they want to have. If one person decides what kind of sex the pair should have, how many people are involved and where to engage in the activity, then he or she has all the control. Neither person should ever feel scared, threatened or degraded. If one person has to do everything the other wants, this constitutes sexual abuse.
Contraceptive Control
If a partner refuses to wear a condom and prevents the other from using other methods of birth control, sexual abuse is most certainly present. This would also be the case if this person controls or even oversees one's decision about pregnancy or abortion.
Verbal Threats
Abuse is present when there are attempts to manipulate emotions--particularly to induce fear, doubt, and dependency. The victim will often be told that sex is an obligation of marriage, or that they will break up if sex can't be guaranteed when and how the controller prefers it.
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