Forced sexAlmost 13% of the Australian population reports being frightenedor forced into a sexual experience. Nearly 3% of men and 10%of women aged 16 or younger have been forced into some formof sexual activity.25 Often the partners are known to each otherand may already have a relationship.All young people need to know that there is a differencebetween persuading or charming someone to have sex, andforcing them. If the person feels he or she has restricted orno choice about having sex because they are frightened orpressured or threatened, or are blackmailed into a sexual act,then it’s coercion. Sometimes a person may not want to havesex but ‘gives in’ because they do not feel they can refuse.Forcing another person to have sex (ie anything other thanmutual, free agreement) is sexual assault, and may result in acriminal charge. It is a serious crime.58Make sure your children know that they cannot use force in thisway, and that this kind of force is wrong. If there is any doubtabout the other person wanting sex, then they must stop. No-one ‘owes’ anyone sex. ‘Going outside’ with someone at a party, for example, is not acontract for sex. They can change their mind at any time including duringsexual activity.If a person has been sexually assaulted, they can contact asexual assault service, NSW Rape Crisis, or the nearest hospitalor health professional for assistance. Twenty four hour telephoneand online support is available, see page 63.Sex and the lawIn NSW, the legal age for males and females to consent tosexual activity is 16 years. The law says that if you have sex withsomeone who is under 16 years of age it is a crime.
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