BIDERMAN’S STAGES OF COERCION

(From “Bullying: From Backyard to Boardroom”, McCarthy et al editors; Millenium Books; Sydney:1996)

Key:

# – STAGE Abuser’s Actions

############################## …

2 – MONOPOLISATION OF PERCEPTION

Informs Victim through stories about power alliances.

Outlines superior knowledge and skills.

Intimates that Victim does not possess necessary knowledge and skill buit may be able to acquire it through association with abuser.

…

4 – THREATS

Reminds of power over Victim’s acceptance in the hierarchy Warns with stories of the demise of predecessors who did not reach the acceptable standard.

6 – DEMONSTRATING “OMNIPOTENCE”

Exercises complete control over the Victim, who is taken for granted.

Has ‘read my mind’ expectations.

Affects martyrdom and of being indispensable to the group

Claims victimisation by those who challenge abusive behaviour.

7 – DEGRADATION

Spreads derogatory stories about the Victim on work and personal topics.

8 – ENFORCING TRIVIAL DEMANDS

Continues to remind Victim through innuendo, suggestion, and intimidatimng stories, that abuser’s demands will be complied with.

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Developed from Biderman’s Chart of Coercion in Amnesty International (1975) Report on Torture, London, Gerald Duckworth & Co, p 53.

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