Rubiales case: a question of coercion

This week the trial against Luis Rubiales has been seen for sentencing. In other articles we have talked about the kiss, let's talk now about coercion.

Coercion is a psychological technique that seeks to pressure, subjugate and dominate a victim through threats, emotional manipulation, intimidation... with the aim of controlling their behaviour. In this case, it was used to prevent Jenni Hermoso from reporting the president of the Spanish Football Federation.

Coercion is a very powerful tool that can initially manifest itself in a subtle way, with kind words, which often means that it is not recognised as such. Often it increases in intensity and then the victim can begin to identify what is happening.

It can be put into practice by a single individual or a group of people. It often happens that in powerful environments, such as the one we are dealing with, these strategies are used to exploit a power dynamic for one's own benefit. Coercion generates fear and uncertainty from a position of strength. In the particular case of Hermoso, Rubiales and the other members of the Federation accused of coercion (Jorge Vilda, Albert Luque and Rubén Rivera), according to what was known during the trial, they intended to generate pressure on the victim, but also on those around him, so that he would not feel free to decide whether to report or not. Coercion seeks to force people to act against their own will, for fear of the consequences.

We have seen this in this case and it is common in similar cases: in the closing ranks These guerrilla groups of powerful men create unbreathable environments for the victim and those around them. People who live under coercion are in a constant state of anxiety and fear, with the fear and uncertainty that the threats will become reality (Nobody will believe you, you are exaggerating; we will talk later; why are you doing this to your colleagues; you will find out...). They are also manipulated through strategies such as making them feel indebted so that guilt or shame silences them (Why are you doing this to us, with all that we have done for you; you are destroying this man's life, he is very affected…). Over time, this continuous stress can lead to more serious psychological disorders. The experience is hard and leaves scars. However, there are women who decide to report, with all that this entails in such a case. Unfortunately, it is still a truly heroic act.

The most perverse thing is that coercion makes you doubt yourself. This dynamic can also impact the self-esteem of victims and their ability to make decisions. Good support and a support network are key. Just as it is also key to give meaning to the gesture of reporting, regardless of the final result, to be at peace with oneself, to put an end to coercion and, above all, to end the impunity of those who abuse their power.

Coercion is not very visible, but it is usually one of the main reasons why women do not report.