Can Sex in a Relationship be Abuse?

Sex is not something that should be demanded in a relationship. Sex should be an expression of love between two partners not something that is expected or used as a punishment. RAPE is not sex. RAPE is violence and should be thought of as such.

Many women feel that they are required to have sexual relations with a partner as a part of the marriage or partnership agreement. This is not the case. To have sex is a mutual decision between two people. It is a benefit of the relationship not a part of the job description.

Sexual Abuse takes a number of forms not only forced sexual intercourse.

• A man who treats women as sex objects can be an abuser
• Withholding sex and affection as a means of control or punishment
• Forcing her to undress, forcing her to wear provocative clothing in public that makes her uncomfortable or embarrasses her
• Committing cruel or painful sexual acts
• Forcing her to have sex against her will is rape
• Forcing her to have sex after violence has been committed
• Extreme jealous; accusing her of having an affair, accusing her of wanting to have an affair.
• Forcing her to watch pornographic acts
• Having affairs and flaunting them in her face
• Forcing her to have sex with or in front of others; her children, his male friends
• Forcing objects to be used
• Violence during sex used by one person on the other; hair pulling, slapping, scratching
• Calling her names or using sexual terms to humiliate her

Again, force in any form is abuse and should be seen as such. No one has the right to a woman's body unless she gives that person the right. Marriage does not mean that a woman has given up this right.
Remember, sex is not owed for any reason.
Sex taken without permission is rape.
Loving sex is only offered freely and given between consenting adults.
© 2007 Connie Roush All Rights Reserved.