How are sex and violence linked in this novel? Why does Esperanza both seek and try to avoid sexual experiences?

In The House on Mango Street, love
and violence are directly linked as characters attempt to seek confirmation of their
identities while ending up in circles of abuse.  For example, in the vignette titled
"Linoleum Roses," Sally has gotten married at a young age seemingly to gain a sense of
freedom, independence, and belonging.  She attempts to carry on this "loving"
relationship with her husband; however, he abuses her and forces her to live within the
limits of his control.  Sally stays in this marriage under the guise of love and false
happiness even though she suffers violence from her husband.  The relationship confirms
Sally's sense of identity that has been constructed around her low
self-esteem.

Similarly, Esperanza seeks a sense of
confirmation and belonging through love, and as she is growing up, she learns that love
may be shown through physical, sexual acts.  However, she also learns that people hurt
each other through sex, so she attempts to avoid situations that may be
harmful.