Coercive tactics are often employed to create a sense of powerlessness in individuals. By undermining their confidence, autonomy, and ability to exercise control over their own lives, coercive influences seek to make individuals feel helpless and dependent. Here are some ways coercion can generate a sense of powerlessness:

1. Threats and intimidation: Coercive individuals may use threats, intimidation, or displays of aggression to instill fear and make individuals feel powerless. By creating a perception of imminent harm or consequences, they undermine the individual’s sense of personal safety and control.
2. Isolation and dependency: Coercive tactics often involve isolating individuals from their support networks, such as family and friends. This isolation diminishes their access to alternative sources of power, support, or validation, reinforcing their dependency on the coercive entity and fostering a sense of powerlessness.
3. Control of resources: Coercive influences may control access to essential resources, such as money, food, or shelter. By restricting access to these resources, they create a sense of dependence and powerlessness in individuals, who feel they must comply with the coercive entity’s demands to meet their basic needs.
4. Undermining self-esteem and self-worth: Coercive tactics can involve constant criticism, humiliation, or belittlement. By attacking an individual’s self-esteem and self-worth, coercive influences erode their confidence and create a sense of powerlessness, making them more susceptible to control.
5. Imposing strict rules and regulations: Coercive influences often enforce rigid rules and regulations that leave individuals with limited choices and autonomy. By imposing strict control over various aspects of their lives, such as personal decisions, behavior, or even thoughts, the coercive entity reinforces a sense of powerlessness and dependence on external authority.

The intention behind creating a sense of powerlessness is to make individuals more compliant, submissive, and susceptible to the coercive entity’s influence. It is crucial to recognize and resist such tactics to maintain personal autonomy and well-being. Building resilience, seeking support from trusted individuals, and cultivating self-empowerment can help individuals counteract the effects of coercion and regain a sense of agency.

 © Linda C J Turner