Consent is very important in California law. All participants must freely and voluntarily agree to any sexual activity. If someone pressures, forces or manipulates you into a sexual act, you may have grounds for legal action.
Any tactics that compel you into consent aren’t really consent under the law. You may have been the victim of sexual assault or misconduct, even if there was no physical force involved.
What is coercion?
Coercion can take many forms, including:
- Verbal pressure: This can include persistent requests, threats or intimidation.
- Emotional manipulation: This can involve exploiting vulnerabilities, guilt-tripping or making you feel obligated.
- Abuse of power: The driver has a position of authority in the situation and they may use this to pressure you.
- Implied threats: Even without explicitly stating a threat, the driver’s words or actions might make you fear negative consequences if you refuse.
It’s important to understand you are not to blame. If you felt pressured, it’s not your fault. The responsibility lies with the person who pressured you.
You can say ‘no’ after saying ‘yes’
You can withdraw consent at any time, even if you initially agreed. ‘No’ doesn’t have to be verbal. If you felt uncomfortable or wanted to stop, that is enough to constitute a lack of consent.
What you can do under California law
If you believe you were pressured into a sexual act with a rideshare driver, you can report the incident to the rideshare company. Rideshare services such as Lyft have processes for reporting incidents of sexual assault and misconduct.
However, consider seeking a legal professional with experience in sexual assault or personal injury law. They can guide you in knowing your legal rights and options for pursuing a civil lawsuit.