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Abstract: 

Domestic violence can be accompanied by a pattern of behavior that involves the use of manipulation, threats, and intimidation to exert control over a partner or family member. This pattern, called “coercive control,” can have serious and long-lasting consequences for survivors. In recent years, several jurisdictions within the United States and abroad have sought to criminalize coercive control, and considerable debate has ensued over whether to do so. This article briefly defines the concept of coercive control, explores its prevalence, summarizes the primary arguments for and against its criminalization, and highlights recent Australian research that reveals how victims perceive the law reform of criminalization of coercive control.

Keywords: Criminalizing Coercive Control; Evan Stark; Boxall & Morgan Study

Affiliations:  1: Certified Domestic Violence Counselor.