Amid coronavirus shutdowns and increasing levels of unemployment, some landlords are soliciting sexual favors or explicit photos from their tenants in lieu of rent. A national survey conducted by Shelter Scotland found that 220,000 women reported that their landlords asked them for sex in lieu of rent... Although this number is already significant, experts predict that many cases go unreported.
This abuse of power puts women and their families at great risk. In a time of uncertainty and fear, no one should not have to choose between eviction and nonconsensual sex. Women have been taking to social media to spread awareness about this issue and warn others. The Commission on the Status of Women in Hawaii has also put together guidelines on what to do if you are in this situation.
Compiled from: Murphy, Neil. Landlords ‘asking for sex instead of rent’ during coronavirus crisis’, Mirror (April 11, 2020)