Jump to main content
Question submitted for topics sexualized violence, Law

Is it sexual coercion even if I didn’t dare to say no?

Does this count as sexual assault?

I went on a Tinder date and wrote beforehand that I didn't want anything more on the first date than to get to know him. He then started to touch me and I was visibly overwhelmed by the situation and didn't have the courage to say no.

He also asked me if it was a bit much for me, to which I replied yes, but he carried on and started fingering me. I was so overwhelmed that I never dared to say no when he asked if it was okay and I said several times that it hurt and he kept going.

I was extremely overwhelmed and can no longer really remember it, it's as if my mind had shut down...

Question submitted on 17. June 2021 by Superwoman

Corinne Rietmann says

Deine Sexpertin von GummiLove

Dear Superwoman

I'm so sorry about what happened to you and it's not okay at all. I'm glad you got in touch, it's really important. It's always about consent.

Even if you had clearly agreed on your Tinder date that you wanted to have a sex date and only changed your mind in the middle of the date, the guy would still have had no right to do this assault because he clearly did not have your consent. Even if you didn't say a clear NO, this is not OK, because you didn't say yes to his actions. You also clearly showed with your behaviour that you didn't feel comfortable and he recognized this and therefore asked.

He has clearly taken advantage of the situation and is in the wrong. You haven't done anything wrong and it's important that you get the help you need now. It's also quite normal not to know everything about a situation like this because your head and emotions shut down as a form of self-protection.

The question of whether this is sexual assault or another criminal offense is best discussed with a specialist. You can find help in your canton here: Opferhilfen Schweiz.

You are also welcome to contact me again.

Thank you for your question, I'm sure you'll encourage other young women in your situation to talk about it and get help.

Kind regards
Corinne

More about consent here:

Consent

In the following text, you'll find out what it takes to get consent. How you can be sure that the other person wants what you're doing and why many adults still have a lot to learn.

Submit a question

Do you also have a question?

Do you have a question about bodies & feelings, love & sexuality, contraception & STIs or consent & rights?

Send us your question. The GummiLove team will answer it for you.