Episode 110: DSG Abuse Mini-Series: Sexual Coercion and Marital Rape with Dr. Elizabeth Jeglic

This week, I am talking with Dr. Elizabeth Jeglic about sexual coercion. We discuss how it shows up in relationships and what a woman can do if she is a victim. Dr. Jeglic is an internationally renowned expert speaker, author, and researcher on topics related to sexual violence prevention and sex offender public policy. She is also a licensed clinical psychologist and professor of psychology, and author of Protecting Your Child from Sexual Abuse: What You Need to Know to Keep Your Kids Safe. 

My hope is that through this episode, you can begin to understand that your partner should want you to be an active and willing participant in any sexual behavior. The feelings should be mutual, and sex should not be forced on you. 

Show Highlights

• Dr. Jeglic helps us to understand what sexual coercion is and what it is not. (3:13)
• Whether you're in a marriage, a dating relationship, or meet a stranger at a party, if you are not able to give consent, it’s rape. (4:58)
• The impact of our vision around our own sexuality. (7:28)
• The power of choice comes down to you, your values, and what you consent to. (14:42)
• Some ways in which sexual coercion shows up in relationships. (15:53)
• Examples of sexual scripts that show up within society, media, and the entertainment industry. (21:00)
• It is our responsibility to teach our children what a consensual relationship looks like, how you get consent, and what affirmative consent looks like. (22:32)
• If you are experiencing sexual coercion in your marriage or have, Dr. Jeglic offers some advice on what to do next. (27:23)
• How we can teach our children to have healthy, sexual relationships. (30:25)

Learn More About Dr. Elizabeth Jeglic:

Dr. Elizabeth L. Jeglic is an internationally renowned expert, speaker, author, and researcher on topics related to Sexual Violence Prevention and Sex Offender Public Policy.  She is a licensed clinical psychologist and Professor of Psychology at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York.  She is the author of Protecting your Child from Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence: Evidence-Based Policy and Prevention.  Dr. Jeglic has published over 130 articles and book chapters and is an Associate Editor of the Journal Sexual Abuse. Dr. Jeglic's work is frequently quoted in the media, she is a nationally recognized public speaker and has been awarded the Fay Honey Knopp Award for her work preventing sexual violence.

Resources & Links:Dr. Jeglic’s website Dr. Jeglic on Twitter  Dr. Jeglic on Facebook  Dr. Jeglic on LinkedIn Protecting Your Child From Sexual Abuse: What You Need to Know to Keep Your Kids Safe DSG Abuse Mini-Series: Escaping Toxic Relationships and Abuse in Faith-Based Communities with Sarah McDugalShould I Stay or Should I Go Facebook GroupThe Thrive Fund