You know a younger person who may be in a coercive relationship... You hear her talk about her older boyfriend and you just know it's not right. Adult men often date young girls because it is easier to sexually coerce them. Teens who are in sexually coercive relationships don't recognize that their relationship is unhealthy. But the law in Virginia is there to protect her. A minor cannot consent to a sexual relationship with an adult. The teen, even if she thinks she is choosing the relationship, is still the victim in the eyes of the law. What can you do? Talk with her; let her know your concerns. Share with her the information from the free brochure "Sexual Coercion -- Recognize and Resist It" offered from the Virginia Department of Health. 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 because he is breaking the law.

HOME l CONTACT US l VIRGINIA LAWS l RESOURCE LIBRARY l WHAT ABOUT BOYS? What can you do to help? YOUR BUDDY IS INVOLVED WITH A GIRL AND YOU KNOW IT'S NOT RIGHT YOU ARE IN A RELATIONSHIP WITH A MUCH YOUNGER GIRL AND YOU KNOW IT'S NOT RIGHT YOU KNOW A YOUNGER PERSON WHO MAY BE IN A COERCIVE RELATIONSHIP YOUR ORGANIZATION DEALS WITH THE ISSUES OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND STATUTORY RAPE © Copyright 2003 Virginia Department of Health. All rights reserved. Virginia Department of Health: Center for Injury and Violence Prevention 109 Governor Street, 8th Floor l Richmond VA 23219 Phone: (804) 864-7732 l Fax: (804) 864-7748 1-800-732-8333