Coercive Control Laws: Addressing Abuse Beyond Physical Violence

How New Legislation Is Addressing Abuse Beyond Physical Violence

What Happens When Abuse Isn’t Physical?

For years, the legal system focused primarily on physical violence as the defining characteristic of domestic abuse. But abuse is so much more than bruises and broken bones. 

Coercive control—a pattern of intimidation, isolation, manipulation, and dominance—can be just as devastating, if not more so. It strips survivors of their freedom, autonomy, and financial security, trapping them in a cycle of fear and dependence. 

But now, things are changing. More legal systems around the world are recognizing coercive control as a legitimate form of abuse. 

Understanding Coercive Control

 Coercive control can take many forms, including, but not limited to:

• Monitoring & Surveillance: Tracking a survivor’s movements, reading messages, using hidden cameras or spyware.
• Financial Abuse: Controlling all money, limiting access to funds, destroying a survivor’s financial stability.
• Social Isolation: Preventing contact with friends, family, or support networks.
• Legal & Custody Abuse: Using the courts as a weapon—filing endless legal motions to drain finances and maintain control.
• Attorney-Enhanced Coercive Control™: Hiring aggressive, dishonest legal representation that disregards the law as Officers of the Court, to personally target, harass and intimidate Survivors of Coercive Control
• Threats & Intimidation: Harassment, destruction of property, threats against children or loved ones. 

Even though coercive control is not always physical, its impact is devastating and lawmakers are finally starting to recognize it.

Legal Systems That Recognize Coercive Control as Abuse

• England & Wales: In 2015, the Serious Crime Act made coercive control a criminal offense, allowing survivors to press charges even without physical violence. (UK Gov)

• Scotland: The Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 introduced one of the world’s strongest coercive control laws, criminalizing psychological and emotional abuse.

• Australia: Multiple states have criminalized coercive control, including New South Wales, which passed a landmark bill in 2022.

• United States: 

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was reauthorized on March 15, 2022. Within VAWA is Title 15, titled “Keeping Children Safe from Family Violence”.

• Individual States

Connecticut (Jennifer’s Law, 2021) – Expanded domestic violence definitions to include coercive control. 

California (SB 1141, 2020) – Allowed coercive control as evidence in family court.

Pennsylvania (Kayden's Law, 2022)  Includes coercive control as a form of abuse. https://www.kaydenslaw.info

Hawaii (2023) – Recently passed a bill criminalizing coercive control in domestic abuse cases.

While more work needs to be done, these legal changes are significant victories for survivors.

How These Laws Help Survivors

• Validation: Survivors can now name and report what’s happening, instead of being dismissed because there’s no “physical proof.”

• Legal Protections: Coercive control laws can provide stronger restraining orders and criminal charges.

• Child Custody Impact: Judges are starting to factor coercive control into custody decisions, reducing the risk of children being placed with an abusive parent.

Challenges & What Still Needs to Change

•  Law Enforcement Training: Many police officers and legal professionals still don’t recognize coercive control as abuse.
•  Proving Coercive Control: Without physical evidence, proving coercion in court remains difficult. 
•  Gaps in U.S. Legislation: While some states recognize coercive control, many still do not—leaving survivors unprotected.

What Survivors Can Do Right Now

Document Everything: Keep records of texts, emails, financial abuse, and patterns of control.
Find a Coercive Control-Aware Attorney: Work with trauma-informed legal professionals who understand these dynamics.
Advocate for Change: Support petitions and laws that push for coercive control to be recognized nationwide. 

Conclusion: The Legal System Is Catching Up... But Slowly

The recognition of coercive control as abuse is a huge step forward—but it’s only the beginning. Survivors need stronger protections, better-trained judges, and legal support that truly understands the long-term impact of psychological and emotional abuse. 

If you’re experiencing coercive control, know this: You are NOT alone, and there ARE resources to help you navigate this. 

For support, visit our Resources Page for legal aid, advocacy groups, and trauma-informed guidance. 

© Kaitlyn Jorgensen