Since Mar 2015 in the UK, repeated abusive or coercive behaviour has been a punishable offence. This was introduced primarily to protect the vulnerable within an abusive relationship, Nevertheless it does apply outside of the narrow interpretation to include children or even vulnerable parents or those who are victims of honour bound violence (HBV) for example.
Without a doubt for a member of the JW religion after committing themselves to the organisation are obliged to remain within the ranks by social pressures to conform even against their will or better judgement. The source of coercion comes from the leadership who repeatedly threaten punishment for those who do not conform. The threat is social death (excommunication) followed by literal death at God's hand. When this message is demanded of children within a JW family, it creates enormous psychological stress and developmental problems because it is emotional abuse. Shunning too is blatantly coercive.
This JW practice of coercion is delivered without regard for the individual's feelings with the threat presented as an unarguable and blanket judgement on them should they choose to disagree or leave the organisation.
How long will it take before the law recognises that the JW organisation and other groups are institutionally fostering coercive behaviour?
