What is the implication of coercion in relation to sexual abuse?

The implication of coercion in relation to sexual abuse highlights that coercion can involve threats of violence, placing an individual in a vulnerable situation where they feel compelled to comply against their will. This means that coercion is not limited to physical aggression but can also include psychological tactics or intimidation, such as threatening harm, which effectively removes the individual's ability to consent freely.

Understanding coercion in this manner is crucial because it emphasizes that the absence of physical violence does not negate the existence of coercive environments. Coercion can manifest in various forms, and threats of violence are a significant factor that can contribute to the dynamics of abuse, rendering the victim unable to refuse or escape the situation.