Abuse of power of and authority: Rape by Coercion

Abstract

People in positions of power and authority often abuse their power and authority to try to coerce females to have sexual relations with them. They prey on vulnerable women and girls over whom they have power or authority. A prime example is the notorious case of Hollywood Film producer, Harvey Weinstein. Over 90 women have accused Weinstein of sexual harassment, indecent assault and, in eighteen cases, of rape over a period from 1980 to 2015. Weinstein would allegedly invite young actresses or models into a hotel room or office on the pretext of discussing their careers, and then demand massages or sex. He told them that complying with his demands would help their careers and, conversely, implied that noncompliance with his sexual demands would be fatal to their careers. These activities were allegedly enabled by employees, associates, and agents who set up these meetings, and lawyers and publicists who suppressed complaints with payments and threats. Weinstein has denied that what happened was nonconsensual.