“This groundbreaking bill, only the third state Coercive Control bill passed to date in the United States will protect domestic violence victims, moms and kids, when they are leaving an abusive relationship.”
Connecticut Protective Moms.Her goal was to expand the definition of domestic violence to include “coercive control,” a pattern of threatening, humiliating, or intimidating acts that harm a person and deprive them of their freedom, will now be considered domestic violence.
This expanded definition of domestic violence will now apply to all family court proceedings including restraining orders, divorce, and custody cases.
The bill also establishes a new legal aid program to provide legal representation for victims of domestic violence who apply for restraining orders.
Previously domestic violence laws were based on physical violence or the threat of physical violence.
On Tuesday, in a statement, CT Protective Moms thanked to all the Connecticut Legislators and Governor Lamont for listening to concerns about how current family court practices deal with domestic violence (DV) allegations and the need for family court reform to address ALL types of DV including Coercive Control.