Defining coercive control and including it in the definition of domestic abuse

This bill defines coercive control and includes it within the meaning of domestic abuse. By operation of law, a temporary protective order or a protective order requiring a defendant to cease domestic abuse of a plaintiff will require the defendant to cease engaging in coercive control of the plaintiff. The bill defines “coercive control” as a pattern of behavior that is used to cause an individual to suffer physical, emotional, or psychological harm, and, in purpose or effect, unreasonably interferes with the individual’s free will and personal liberty. In determining whether interference is unreasonable, a court shall consider the context and impact of the pattern of behavior from the perspective of an individual in a similar situation as the individual the interference affects. The bill lists several acts that are included in the meaning of “coercive control”. “Coercive control” does not include protective actions taken by an individual in good faith for the purpose of protecting the individual’s self or the individual’s children from the reasonably perceived risk of harm posed by another individual.