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1) Why is this rape? Because coercion doesn't just take the form of physical violence.

The definition of rape in California says nothing about "coercion":

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=pen&gr...

It does mention "duress" which implies a threat of violence. If your friend's boss was not threatening violence then it's wrong to call it rape.




Keep reading your own link. Duress includes "retribution" not limited to physical violence.

" (b) As used in this section, "duress" means a direct or implied threat of force, violence, danger, or retribution sufficient to coerce a reasonable person of ordinary susceptibilities to perform an act which otherwise would not have been performed, or acquiesce in an act to which one otherwise would not have submitted. The total circumstances, including the age of the victim, and his or her relationship to the defendant, are factors to consider in appraising the existence of duress."




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