When a person is in a position of influence, authority, or power, they have a certain sway over others. This may be a teacher over her students, a doctor over his patients, or a priest over his congregation. Children are particularly vulnerable to this influence because they are told to listen to their elders and because they trust the adults in their lives. Sexual abusers in positions of authority may use threats, lies, coercion, or charm to work their ways into their victim’s lives. Because of their authority, victims may be afraid to speak out for many years or decades—if at all.