What is "coercion" in the context of trafficking?

In the context of trafficking, "coercion" refers to the use of threats or intimidation to compel individuals to take specific actions or to maintain control over them. This can include threats of physical harm to the victim or their loved ones, as well as manipulative tactics that abuse legal processes, such as threatening to report victims to immigration authorities or law enforcement. This form of coercion creates an atmosphere of fear and compliance, preventing individuals from exercising their free will and making autonomous choices.

Offering incentives for compliance does not align with the concept of coercion, as this implies a voluntary agreement to the terms presented. Providing choices to victims is contrary to the definition of coercion, as it suggests that individuals have the agency to make decisions freely without manipulation or intimidation. Involuntary servitude without threats may describe a situation of exploitation, but it does not encompass the element of coercion, which specifically involves the use of threats or pressured situations. Hence, the correct definition of coercion in this context revolves around the use of threats to force compliance and control over an individual.