While men are the predominant offenders, women may engage in coercive or exploited exploitive relationships with teens as well. They are more likely to use flattery or bribery than threats or overt force.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhat can you do?<\/h3>\n
Talk to him. Tell him it’s not right and unhealthy. Tell him that healthy relationships should be based on equality. Tell him about the law or this website. Let him know how you feel about this. And if you have to, go to the police.<\/p>\n
You are in a relationship with a much younger girl and you know it’s not right…<\/h4>\n
Most men want a healthy relationship. A healthy relationship is one that is based on equality. An adult (over 18) who is in a relationship with a minor cannot, by definition, be equal partners in a relationship. Statutory Rape is not only an issue of consent, but also one of coercion and exploitation. Anytime an adult has a sexual relationship with someone who is underage, it is a form of exploitation, even if no overtly coercive behavior appears to be involved. The adult is using the sexual and emotional inexperience of the teen to get something from them.<\/p>\n
You may just have the feeling that your relationship with a younger person is not right, or a friend may have told you that your relationship is uncool. Well, your relationship may be against the law. You can spend time in jail and be considered a sex offender, needing to register with state sex offender registries.<\/p>\n
What can you do?<\/h3>\n
Do the right thing. End the relationship. Respect yourself and your need for a healthy, equal relationship<\/p>\n
You know a younger person who may be in a coercive relationship…<\/h4>\n
You hear her talk about her older boyfriend and you just know it’s not\u00a0right. Adult men often date young girls because it is easier to sexually\u00a0coerce them. Teens that are in sexually coercive relationships don’t\u00a0recognize that their relationship is unhealthy. But the\u00a0law in Virginia\u00a0is\u00a0there to protect her. A minor cannot consent to a sexual relationship with\u00a0an adult. The teen, even if she thinks she is choosing the relationship, is\u00a0still the victim in the eyes of the\u00a0law.<\/p>\n
What can you do?<\/h3>\n
Talk with her; let her know your concerns. Talk with her parents. Call the Virginia Family Violence & Sexual Assault hotline (1-800-838-8238). Go to the police. Get her the help she needs.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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