Which of the following best demonstrates the importance of legal penalties for sexual coercion?

The importance of legal penalties for sexual coercion is best demonstrated by their deterrent effect on potential offenders. When individuals know that there are severe legal consequences for engaging in sexual coercion, they may be less inclined to commit such acts. This preventive aspect of the legal system serves not only to protect potential victims but also to establish societal boundaries regarding acceptable behavior. Effective legal penalties help to create an environment where individuals can feel safer and more secure, knowing that there is a structure in place actively working to discourage misconduct.

In contrast, while reducing the number of victims can be a benefit of deterrence, it is not the primary focus of legal penalties. Simplifying legal processes is a secondary, administrative concern that does not directly address the core issue of preventing offences. Similarly, while providing justice to victims is essential, legal penalties are more aimed at preventing crimes than merely delivering justice after the fact.