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Coercive Control (Power)– an act or a pattern of acts of psychological assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim into conforming.

Common Types of Coercive Power:

DIRECT & INDIRECT

DIRECT

Straight forward

Direct coercive power is the ‘in-your-face’ threats and direct ultimatums, leaving you feeling trapped and helpless. But you know what’s happening, there is little confusion.

INDIRECT

Manipulative- through the back door

These types will NEVER say, “Do this or else!” No, they’re far sneakier.

They instead will use subtle tactics to control and manipulate you.

Corersion puts you into a hellish maze where every turn is a mind trap, and you can never find your way out.

With indirect power, it’s about psychological warfare.

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Tactics

Guilt-tripping

Using guilt or shame to manipulate individuals into conforming to certain behaviors or beliefs.

This can involve making individuals feel bad about themselves or their actions in order to control their behavior.

Threats of Punishment

Using threats of punishment or consequences to coerce individuals into compliance.

This can involve threatening to ostracize, shun, or punish individuals who do not conform to certain expectations or norms.

Emotional Manipulation

Using emotional manipulation tactics such as gaslighting, manipulation of emotions, or playing on individuals’ fears and insecurities to control their behavior.

Isolation

Isolating individuals from their support networks or communities in order to control their behavior and limit their access to alternative perspectives or sources of support.

Pressure Tactics

Using peer pressure, social pressure, or manipulation to coerce individuals into conforming to certain behaviors or beliefs.

This can involve creating a sense of urgency or fear of missing out in order to manipulate individuals into compliance.

Control of Information

Controlling access to information or limiting individuals’ exposure to alternative viewpoints in order to maintain control over their beliefs and behaviors.

Church Members

Often Play This Insidious Game

Believe it or not, There are instances where some individuals or organizations claiming to be Christian use coercion in an attempt to control or manipulate others out of concern, usually false concern.

Why?

There are various reasons why some individuals or groups within the Christian community resort to coercion.

This includes

• a misguided belief that they are acting in the best interest of others.
• a desire for power or control, a lack of understanding of the principles of consent and autonomy.
• a misinterpretation of religious teachings.
  • But that’ll be another blog post.

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Never Forget Jesus’ Teaching

“Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you”

– Luke 6:28