Sexual coercion among women living with a severe and persistent mental illness: Review of the literature and recommendations for mental health providers

Women with severe and persistent mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder) are at enhanced risk for sexual coercion and several resulting sexual health complications. We examine the prevalence and types of sexual coercion encountered by women with severe and persistent mental illness and provide recommendations for interventions to reduce the prevalence of sexual coercion. Mental health professionals working with this population need to provide increased attention to the problem of sexual coercion and can take measures to intervene safely and effectively.