(HARTFORD, CONN. WTIC)-A new domestic violence law that starts today is critical for victims, according to officials with the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV)
The new law adds coercive control, allowing victims to file a restraining order.
According to the CCADV, coercive control involves power through isolation, intimidation, domination and humiliation. It is also non-physical, CCADV officials explained.
"By expanding the definition of family violence in Connecticut’s restraining order statute to address coercive control, we’ll be able to ensure court-ordered relief for the many non-physical tactics abusers use to gain and maintain control over their victims," CCADV President and CEO Meghan Scanlon said.
"As we come to better understand the trauma and paralyzing fear that emotionally and psychologically abusive actions can have on victims," Scanlon said, "it is essential that our state shift its response and update legal options to reflect that understanding. That's what we've done with this new law."
Victims should document a pattern of the abuse through screenshots, texts or by printing it out, Scanlon said.
More information can be found confidentially at www.CTSafeConnect.org or by calling the 24/7 hotline at 888-774-2900.