Coercion

What Is Coercion?

Coercion means illegally threatening someone with violence, serious harm, or a disadvantage in order to force the victim to act against their will, tolerate something, or refrain from doing something. Unlike extortion, coercion is not about obtaining financial gain.

What Can I Do Against Coercion on the Internet?

First, carefully document everything that indicates or could indicate that you are being coerced. In the case of emails, this would ideally be a screenshot or PDF file of the message, including the sender’s email address and the date and time the email was sent. In social media chats, save the coercive message, the date and time, and the sender’s profile.

You can then use the evidence you have collected to file a report for coercion. The police and public prosecutor’s office will then take care of the criminal investigation and prosecution. Apart from possibly providing a witness statement, you generally do not have to do anything else.

Regardless of whether you file a criminal complaint, you can also take civil legal action against the perpetrator and, for example, claim compensation for an infringement of your personal rights.

How Is Coercion Punished?

Coercion is punishable by up to three years in prison or a fine.