Understanding Perpetrators’ Tactics in Sexual Assault

At the Law Office of Scott Herndon, we are committed to understanding the complex and sensitive issue of sexual assault. We believe that informed people are better equipped to protect themselves and others. This page draws upon recent research to shed light on the tactics that perpetrators use. In particular, this page highlights insightful work from psychologists Dr. Antonia Abbey and Dr. Colleen Farris, among others. Abbey and Farris’ work is particularly relevant in understanding the psychological stages of coercion that can threaten any young person early in their career, whether in college or graduate school, in Hollywood and Napa, or in the upstart tech companies that thrive in Silicon Valley. These locations are where our law firm has done some of its most important, high profile work.

Of course, this webpage is intended to provide general information only and should not be considered precise legal or expert psychological advice.

Understanding Miscommunication and Sexual Coercion

The social psychologist Antonia Abbey has dedicated her career to understanding the factors that contribute to sexual assault. Some of her most interesting research has focused on miscommunications of social cues, particularly in dating and social situations. Abbey’s work helps us understand how sometimes intentionally ambiguous behaviors, contradictory cultural expectations, and the confusing normativity of gender roles can contribute to misunderstandings that can escalate into sexual assault.

Sexual coercion is defined as any situation in which a party uses verbal or physical strategy to obtain sexual activity against freely given consent (Adams-Curtis and Forbes, 2004).

Research has suggested that sexually coercive men tend to perceive more sexual interest in female targets than non-aggressive men (Farris et al, 2010). It is also clear that some perpetrators disregard and leverage this blurred line between platonic interest and sexual intent. Here, timing and stage setting are important. This is because the perpetrator’s perception (or misperception) of sexual interest occurs early in an interaction and may establish the ‘groundwork’ for later sexual interactions and even sexual assault. Victims of sexual assault often do not realize the ways in which their interactions are being contextualized, framed, and staged by the coercive predator.

Coercive miscommunication can take root in seemingly benign situations, such as Slack communications, conversations at work or company social functions, “casting couch” interviews, and conferences. This miscommunication can later devolve into predatory behavior that derives from fundamentally different expectations of the perpetrator and victim. Tragically, this means perpetrators can sometimes set the stage for their assaults through their miscommunication itself, leading young people into imbalanced situations where coercion can take place.

The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network estimates that a person is sexually assaulted every 98 seconds in the US (2018). Even worse, sexual assault is the most underreported crime in the country (Guidry et al, 2021). Survivors face severe physical and mental health problems including chronic pain, depression, persistent fear, sleep disturbances, PTSD, among other life-altering symptoms (Burton et al 2013; Csoboth et al 2005; Humpreys 2011; Humphreys and Lee 2005).

The vulnerability of young people and the sometimes deliberate misperception of sexual interest by coercive perpetrators is a dangerous combination, and demands rigorous, multi-disciplinary analysis, especially in the wake of a sexual assault. Excellent lawyers, psychologists, human resource personnel, and medical experts are sometimes necessary to untangle the precise ways in which a sexual assault took place.

Understanding the Perpetrator’s Playbook

Perpetrators of sexual assault often deploy specific tactics to create situations in which they conduct nonconsensual sexual acts. Recognizing these behaviors can empower us to protect ourselves and advocate for all survivors of sexual assault.

Isolation

Perpetrators will often attempt to separate their target from their support network. This might involve creating situations to isolate the victim, discouraging contact with friends or family, or fostering dependence on the perpetrator. But isolation can also occur by promises of resources, employment, or access to the prized network that the predator is perceived to control. Here, it is important to recognize the Janus-face of coercion, which can occur by fear or hope, a diminishment of self-worth, or its opposite—the dream that the young person has been recognized as special. Both forms of isolation can equally problematic.

On a college campus, for instance, this might look like discouraging someone from spending time with their roommates or friends, or encouraging a sorority sister to remain within a closed social network of fraternity brothers. In Hollywood, it could appear as creating exclusive working arrangements that limit outside interactions. In the tech world, it could take shape by intensifying company events, retreats, or specialized projects where power dynamics may develop.

Grooming and Coercive Familiarity

Grooming involves building trust and rapport over time to manipulate and exploit the target. It often involves creating a power dynamic, offering special attention or favors, and blurring professional or personal boundaries. The initial stages of coercive familiarity may seem harmless, such as mentorship or career advice or a unique opportunity, but over time, a coercive perpetrator may attempt to leverage this relationship into dependency, and exploit their position of power and authority.

Drink Spiking

Perpetrators may use alcohol or drugs to lower inhibitions and impair judgment, making it easier to perpetrate a sexual assault. It is estimated that 75% of all acquaintance rapes involve alcohol or drugs, and researches have called for more attention to the use of alcohol itself in sexual assault (Busardo et al 2019; Caluzzi et al 2025). This might involve pressuring someone to drink excessively at parties, providing drugs or alcohol, or taking advantage of someone who is already intoxicated. Intoxication diminishes the ability to consent and creates a window for opportunistic exploitation.

Manipulation

By definition, coercion involves using emotional manipulation, threats or promises, or shame and its opposite, flattery, to move someone into sexual behavior. It often exploits power imbalances and vulnerabilities, creating a climate of fear and intimidation. The means by which coercive perpetrators work may not be fully understood until a survivor has worked through a lifetime of therapy.

Gaslighting

Perpetrators often engage in gaslighting, manipulating someone into questioning their own sanity, memory, or perception of reality. They might deny events that happened, fabricate or spin stories, or claim that the victim was “too sensitive” or “imagining things.” Gaslighting can erode self-confidence and make it difficult to trust one’s own judgment.

Young People in College, Hollywood, and the Technology and Hospitality Industries Face Unique Risks

College students, individuals starting out in the entertainment and hospitality industry, and young women in tech face distinct circumstances that heighten their vulnerability to coercion. College students, often living away from home for the first time, are entering new social environments and power dynamics. The pursuit of social acceptance, academic success, and future career prospects can make them vulnerable to manipulation, especially when faced with authority figures like professors, senior students, or those perceived as controlling access to opportunities. The campus environment, with its emphasis on social events and experimentation, can also create situations where judgment is impaired, and boundaries become blurred. Perpetrators may exploit this vulnerability by leveraging their position of influence to pressure students into unwanted sexual activity, threatening their academic standing, social reputation, or future career prospects if they resist.

The entertainment and hospitality industries, known for their competitive, hierarchical structure, presents unique challenges for aspiring young people of all genders and sexual orientations. The industry is marked by staggering power imbalances, where established figures often hold considerable sway over the careers of those just starting out. The pursuit of a viable career can make young people eager to please authority figures, creating an exploitation-rich environment. Promises of career advancement, access to exclusive opportunities, or mentorship can be promised to coerce individuals into unwanted sexual activity. The fear of being blacklisted or losing out on opportunities often silences victims, allowing perpetrators to continue their abusive behavior unchecked. Hollywood’s emphasis on image and physical appearance can also contribute to feelings of insecurity and vulnerability, making young people more susceptible to manipulation.

How Can The Law Office of Scott Herndon Help?

At The Law Office of Scott Herndon, we are committed to providing compassionate, rigorous and experienced legal representation to all survivors of sexual assault, especially those affected by industry professionals and the cultural elite. We understand the complexities of these cases and are dedicated to protecting your rights, maintaining your dignity, and helping you achieve justice and a chance at a good, rewarding life. We approach each of our high-profile cases and clients with empathy, respect, and a commitment to doing our best work.