Requires court to consider information concerning coercive control in domestic violence proceedings.*
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A-1475, now P.L.2023, c.230) requires courts to consider "coercive control" when deciding domestic violence restraining orders. Coercive control is defined as patterns of behavior that unreasonably interfere with a person’s freedom, including isolating victims from support, depriving them of basics, controlling finances, or using threats (like those based on immigration status). The bill adds this factor to the list courts must evaluate alongside other considerations like past abuse and immediate danger. It directly affects domestic violence victims and courts handling restraining order cases by ensuring non-physical control tactics are formally addressed.
Signed into law Jan 8, 2024
1 co-sponsor