Hi, I’m Nicky, the founder of ‘The Autonomy Hotline’.
Horman-Brown once wrote “once you see coercive power you can never unsee it.” Since Covid, I can definitely day that this statement rings true. I now see signs of coercive and controlling power dynamics operating in different ways all around me. From a medical appointment where I am simply told what to do without thinking about the issues surrounding consent, to a serious case of child abuse, I am increasingly concerned about the levels of coercion that seem to be steadily increasing. Is it because I am in this work and therefore I am just familiar with it? Or is there an actual increase in society at large?
It’s a tricky question, and always, there is a balance of both. Whilst I am aware that researching the issues and running a project around understanding the effect of coercion, would naturally make it seem like there is an increase, there is a reason to consider that perhaps society at large has shifted how it sees (or doesn’t see) coercion. Personally, I think Covid did a huge amount to permit coercive behaviour. The philosophical concept of ‘The Other’ – how we see ourselves reflected in the face of another person, a journey that many align with Christ on the cross – was definitely pushed to absurd limits during the pandemic. Choices to step outside of the mainstream caused issues for many. Those wanting to regain control of their lives felt intimidated and imposed upon. Many were silenced. Some used protests and gatherings as a form of identity and counter measures to the coercion they saw unfolding. Court cases to impose vaccines were hidden away from public scrutiny. Those affected were dragged through immense heartache and trauma at great expense. Rights seemed absent. Control was on the rampage. The ‘Other’ was something to control and dominate, not to view with eyes of understanding, nuance and empathy, unless, of course, you were on the same side of the fence. Them vs Us.
In addition, Domestic abuse levels increased. With no rhythm to daily lives, many were trapped at home with an intimate partner they could not separate from. Daily rhythms of work, meals, leisure activities and education, created escape routes for those living under grey clouds of despair. With covid, things changed. The clouds that people lived under had nowhere to go for most of the time. Since researching this topic, I am more acutely aware that pre covid it was hard to leave for a myriad of reasons, mainly, for the sake of the children, when legally it can create problems when contact arrangements are sought. Post-covid, I think the levels of licentious coercive behaviour, has hit clients differently. And using the court to seek control over choices is common. I think Covid has been part of the reason why courts can’t ‘see’ the problem, as they have overstepped and become the source of coercive power that push people into trauma.
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Nicky