Healthy Relationships Utah Teens
April 2023
TEEN TALK
Pressured into Sex
Relationships should be safe, fun, …and free from sexual assault. Individuals, including teens, force others into sexual activity, that they do not want or agree to, through the use of social, emotional and physical coercion, such as:
  • Saying “I’ll break up with you if you don’t do such and such;” or, “If you loved me, you would…”  
  • Using subtle threats, telling lies or spreading rumors unless the other person goes along with the sexual assault. 
  • Justifying assault by shaming someone for their sexual orientation, what they wear, what they drink, etc. 

Sexual assault happens because of the perpetrator’s misuse of power and control. Everyone has the right to say no to sexual activity and be free from sexual assault.  
SOCIAL MEDIA
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PARENTING TIP
Ways to Help After Sexual Assault
Most teens do not disclose sexual assault even to parents until years later, if at all.

Parents can help by: 
  • Recognizing warning signs, which might include: unusual eating patterns, weight change, depression, anxiety, falling grades, changes in self-care like hygiene, risky behavior, and more.  
  • Focusing on being a safe person when your child does confide by validating feelings with empathy. 
  • Staying calm and educating themselves on what to do next. 

Parents of a teen who has been sexually assaulted may experience feelings of overwhelm and fear. Look for resources, such as the one on this newsletter, for more support. 
QUOTE CORNER
Quotes About the
Love Notes Curriculum
“I learned [from Love Notes] how to have a healthy relationship sooner, so I can prevent bad situations in the future.” 

-Female Participant, 17
RESOURCES
The link above from RAINN, the nation's largest organization on anti-sexual violence, gives you four easy steps to support someone who has experienced sexual assault.
Did you know? Free classes are offered for singles, couples, parents, and blended families along the Wasatch Front! Anyone can sign up at HealthyRelationshipsUtah.org 
Funding for this program was provided by the OPA Grant: TP1AH000232. Additional support was provided by Utah State University Extension. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the presenters/authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the funders. Utah State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution and is committed to a learning and working environment free from discrimination, including harassment. For USU’s non-discrimination notice, see
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