College Athletes Are No Angels: Over Half Admit to ‘Sexually Coercive’ Behaviors

Unfortunately, a new study published in the journal Violence Against Women found that this kind of reprehensible behavior isn’t rare—especially among college athletes.

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In a survey of 379 men—159 of whom played rec sports and 29 of whom were intercollegiate athletes—researchers asked participants to respond to statements that met the legal definition of rape like, “I used threats to make my partner have oral or anal sex.”

The results were sickening: Fifty-four percent of athletes and 34 percent of non-athletes admitted to having engaged in sexually coercive behaviors. What does sexually coercive mean, exactly? It includes making a partner have sex without a condom and using physical force or threats to commit rape.

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Scientists also found that guys who admitted they used forceful tactics to take advantage of women were more likely to agree with rape-justifying statements like, “If a woman doesn’t fight back, it isn’t rape,” and notions of ridiculously antiquated gender roles like, “Women should worry less about their rights and more about becoming good wives and mothers.”

Worth pointing out: These are just the men who actually admitted to doing these things, making it likely that the actual numbers are even higher.

If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, you can find help here:

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673)

Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network

End Rape on Campus

Know Your IX

National Sexual Violence Resource Center