For example, two people may both want to kiss and hug. Pressure means one person wants to engage in an action, but the other person does not or is unsure. In cases of disagreement, it is important for both people to respect the other s feelings and choices. Coercion means one person uses emotional or physical threats to get what he or she wants. For example, one person may threaten to break up with another if he or she doesn t have sex.
Abuse means emotional or physical attack.
For example, one person may constantly belittle or assault another to gain more power in the relationship. Sexual Harassment Sexual harassment is coercive behavior because it involves the abuse of power for sexual ends or the creation of a hostile environment. Only a person with power over another can commit this kind of harassment. In a hostile environment, someone acts in sexual ways that interfere with a person s performance at school or in the workplace. Sexual harassment is illegal.