YOU can give future victims a chance in the justice system, that I and so many others before me, never did...

After I reported being raped and sexually coerced to the Cobb County police and my University's investigators, they told me that nothing could be done. I could only break down into sobs. I know that I’m not the only one who has had to hear those words.

I’ve been fighting for this for two years now.

Reposting, endless emails sent out to representatives of The Georgia General Assembly, asking people to sign, and posting on TikTok-

and to no avail because I need you….

There is STILL no criminal law against sexual coercion in Georgia Code, which is an injustice that has been unanswered and is far overdue to be resolved. This shortcoming of the system created major difficulties for me and other victims as well. 

It surprised me how many people didn’t know what it was, truthfully neither did I at first:

Sexual coercion is the use of pressure, threats, or force to compel someone to engage in sexual activity without their freely given consent. This can include situations where an individual is manipulated or coerced into sexual activity through emotional or psychological means, such as threats, manipulation, or blackmail. Sexual coercion can occur in a variety of contexts, including intimate relationships, dating situations, and professional or social settings. It is important to note that any form of sexual activity without consent is considered sexual assault, regardless of the presence or absence of physical force... (more on https://www.womenshealth.gov/relationships-and-safety/other-types/sexual-coercion )

And terrifyingly enough, it is more common than you think. 

Sexual coercion is a serious issue in the United States, and it is difficult to accurately estimate its prevalence due to underreporting and other factors. However, there are some statistics available that can provide insight into the problem:

• According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NIPSV) conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2010, approximately 18% of women and 1.4% of men in the United States reported experiencing sexual coercion in their lifetime.
  -The same survey found that 8.8% of women and 0.5% of men reported experiencing sexual coercion in the 12 months prior to the survey.
• A study published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence in 2020 found that approximately 20% of college students reported experiencing sexual coercion during their college years.
• The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) reports that 13% of all rape survivors were coerced into sex.
• National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) 2010 Summary Report estimated 13% of women and 6% of men have experienced sexual coercion in their lifetime.
•  2015 Data Brief NSVRC: Approximately 1 in 6 women (16.1% or an estimated 19.2 million women) and approximately 1 in 10 men (9.6% or an estimated 10.6 million men) experienced sexual coercion (e.g., being worn down by someone who repeatedly asked for sex, sexual pressure due to someone using their influence or authority) at some point in their lifetime.
• IN GEORGIA, USA: It was last known in the 2010-2012 CDC report that the number of victims of Sexual Coercion being ~364,000 women and ~245,000 men. That's ~609,000 victims total. 
   

[It is important to note that these statistics are based on self-reported data and may not accurately reflect the true prevalence of sexual coercion in the United States, especially Georgia. Additionally, sexual coercion is a highly stigmatized and underreported crime, so the actual numbers may be much higher than we know. Due to it not being criminalized in Georgia Code, the state-level census and tracking data of this insidious act is almost nonexistent.]

That means there are not only countless perpetrators in Georgia walking freely but also their unheard victims... including the people closest to us. After sharing my experience, I was devastated by the significant number of people in my community and UGA, including friends and family, who shared similar stories. I am sure the same will hold true in yours. My heart goes out to those who haven't yet come forward, as I understand they have suffered in silence. However, I understand considering the difficulties of coming forward about something that is unjustly not considered a crime... but no one's loved one should be told there is nothing that can be done. 

I implore you to change this: support this petition and policy change. 

Sexual coercion is not recognized as a crime under Georgia law. Furthermore, Georgia's rape law classifies non-consensual penetration as a crime, consent itself is not explicitly defined. This gap in the state's sex crime laws makes it difficult for victims to seek justice and can encourage further criminal activity from perpetrators.

This gap in our state’s sex crime laws needs to be addressed and swiftly rectified...

Other states have clearly defined consent and/or sexual coercion therefore serving as models for Georgia to follow (which include but are not limited to): 

California: Consent defined in California Penal Code § 261.6. Sexual coercion is considered a crime in California if a person is forced, tricked, pressured, or threatened into unwanted sexual contact. While the state doesn't have a specific law criminalizing sexual coercion, the issue is addressed in other laws relating to sexual assault.

Florida:​ “Consent” means intelligent, knowing, and voluntary consent and does not include coerced submission. “Consent” shall not be deemed or construed to mean the failure by the alleged victim to offer physical resistance to the offender.

Texas: The criminal act of sexual coercion is defined by Texas Penal Code Section 21.18. and also consent clearly defined here. 

We need a law clearly defining sexual coercion to criminalize it and clearly define consent. 

 

 

                                               ----Thank you----

 

Let's make a positive change! To support the passing of a bill criminalizing sexual coercion in Georgia, here are some actions YOU can take after signing this petition:

1) Share this petition widely through social media and encourage others to sign and share: Post on your instagram story with the link, post a video on Tiktok about the petition and bring awareness, post the petition on twitter and facebook, etc. Use social media platforms, blogs, or personal networks to raise awareness about sexual coercion, the need for legislative change, and the impact it has on survivors. Share stories, statistics, and educational resources to encourage conversations and engagement.

2) Contact your representatives: Reach out to your state representatives and senators to express your support for a bill addressing sexual coercion. Write personalized letters or emails explaining why this issue is important to you and why it should be a priority for legislative action. Go to https://www.legis.ga.gov/

3) Stay informed: Educate yourself about the current laws in Georgia and the gaps that need to be addressed. Understand the importance of recognizing sexual coercion as a distinct offense and the impact it has on survivors.

4) Connect with advocacy groups: Find local organizations and advocacy groups that focus on sexual assault prevention and survivor support. These groups often work on legislative initiatives and can provide guidance on how to get involved.

5) Attend public hearings or meetings: Stay informed about any public hearings, town hall meetings, or legislative sessions where the bill on sexual coercion might be discussed. Attend these events to show your support and listen to the perspectives of lawmakers and stakeholders.

6) Engage with community leaders: Reach out to community leaders, such as local activists, organizations, or influential individuals, who are passionate about addressing sexual coercion. Seek their support and collaborate on advocacy efforts.

7) Collaborate with coalitions: Join or form coalitions with other organizations, survivors, and advocates who share the same goal of addressing sexual coercion in Georgia. Collaborative efforts can amplify voices, share resources, and create a stronger advocacy front.

8) Engage in media outreach: Write op-eds, letters to the editor, or guest articles for local newspapers or online platforms. Use these platforms to highlight the importance of a sexual coercion bill and to call for public support.

9) Support lobbying efforts: Contribute to or volunteer with organizations that engage in lobbying efforts to advocate for the passage of the bill. These organizations often work closely with lawmakers to ensure their voices are heard during the legislative process.

 

The legislative process can be complex and time-consuming. It requires persistence, collaboration, and grassroots efforts to bring about change. By actively engaging in advocacy, we can help create awareness, build support, and push for the passage of a bill addressing sexual coercion in Georgia. We can do this!