2022-2023 Student Handbook

Force

Force is the use of physical violence and/or imposing on someone physically to gain sexual access. Force also includes overt threats, implied threats, intimidation and coercion that overcome resistance or produce consent For example: “Have sex with me or I’ll hit you. Okay, don’t hit me; I’ll do what you want.”

Coercion is unreasonable pressure for sexual activity. Coercive behavior differs from seductive behavior based on the type of pressure someone uses to get consent from another. When someone makes clear to you that they do not want sex, that they want to stop, or that they do not want to go past a certain point of sexual interaction, continued pressure beyond that point can be coercive. NOTE: There is no requirement that a party resists the sexual advance or request, but resistance is a clear demonstration of non-consent.