Circles of Sexuality: Sexualization

By: Riley Fortier, M.Ed. 

CW: sexual assault, incest, abuse

Circles of Sexuality

The circles of sexuality were created by Dennis Daily in 1981 to show a more holistic approach to sexuality. Daily created this model for a strengths-based approach to social work for client’s sexual wellbeing. The “circles” or categories of sexuality are: sensuality, intimacy, sexual identity, sexual health and reproduction, and sexualization. The following categories and descriptions have been slightly adapted from Daily’s original 1981 framework. 

This blog is going to focus on the fifth and final circle of sexuality, sexualization. To learn more about the other aspects of sexuality, check out my previous blog HERE.

Sexualization

The fifth and final circle of sexuality is sexualization, in which sexuality is used to influence, control, or manipulate others. Sexualization is made up of:

• Rape
• Incest
• Sexual harassment
• Withholding sex

NO ONE has the right to do any of the above to influence, control, or manipulate someone else. If you have experienced any of these, it’s not your fault. 

Again, ALL touch needs to have consent, meaning that all people involved are totally willing and excited about participating; that there is a sufficient balance of power; that everyone knows the positive and negative consequences of engaging in the act; and that it is safe for anyone involved to say or change their mind at any time. If you’d like to learn more about consent, check out my consent blog HERE.

In conclusion, this is the circle that we are trying to lessen by education and resources for the other circles of sexuality. 

Resources

If you are in immediate danger to yourself: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ 

Domestic Abuse hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/ 

PA Compensation Services: https://www.pccd.pa.gov/Victim-Services/Pages/Victims-Compensation-Assistance-Program-(VCAP).aspx 

List of resources for survivors: https://www.rainn.org/national-resources-sexual-assault-survivors-and-their-loved-ones 

Resources for survivors of incest: https://www.nsvrc.org/blogs/online-communities-survivors-websites-and-resources-offering-support-and-help