What term describes the threat of serious harm or restraint against a person in human trafficking?

The term that best describes the threat of serious harm or restraint against a person in human trafficking is coercion. Coercion involves using force, intimidation, or threats to compel a person to act against their will or to create an environment of fear that restricts their freedom. In the context of human trafficking, coercion is often employed to control victims, making them feel unsafe and trapped, thus preventing them from escaping their situation. This element is particularly critical as it highlights the abusive power dynamics inherent in trafficking situations, where individuals may be manipulated into compliance through fear of violence or other forms of harm.

Intimidation is related but does not encompass the broader elements of enforcement and psychological pressure that coercion does. Subjugation implies a state of being dominated but does not necessarily involve a direct threat of harm. Possession refers to ownership or control over someone or something and lacks the nuance of threat or psychological manipulation present in coercion. Thus, coercion accurately captures the severe implications of threats of harm in the context of human trafficking.