Bill > S0588

This bill adds a new section to South Carolina law that criminalizes coercive control in personal relationships, defining it as a pattern of behavior designed to harm, punish, or frighten another person through various forms of manipulation and abuse. The bill establishes that when two people are personally connected (either in an intimate relationship or as household members), it is unlawful to repeatedly engage in coercive or controlling behavior that causes the victim to fear violence or experience significant mental distress that substantially impacts their daily life. The legislation provides an extensive list of behaviors that constitute coercive control, including isolating a person from friends and family, monitoring their activities, controlling finances, making threats, and depriving them of basic needs. The bill also outlines various types of evidence that can be used to prove coercive control, such as digital communications, medical records, witness testimony, and photographic evidence. A person found guilty of coercive control can be fined up to $10,000, imprisoned for up to 10 years, or both. The law includes exceptions for legal arrangements like power of attorney or parental control, but explicitly states that causing fear of violence is never a reasonable defense. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

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https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=0588&session=126&summary=B