Bill > HB1522

This bill expands the legal definition of "abuse" in domestic violence protection orders by adding two new categories: nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images and a comprehensive new concept called "coercive control". The bill defines coercive control as a pattern of conduct intended to threaten, intimidate, harass, isolate, or control a victim, which can include actions like isolating the victim from support networks, depriving them of basic needs, monitoring their activities and communications, compelling them to engage in specific activities, threatening to publish sensitive personal information, or threatening to harm the victim's children, relatives, or pets. The expanded definition allows courts to consider a broader range of behaviors when determining whether to issue a domestic violence protection order, recognizing that abuse is not just physical violence but can also involve psychological manipulation and control. By broadening the legal understanding of abuse, the bill aims to provide more comprehensive protection for victims of domestic violence by acknowledging the complex and multifaceted nature of abusive relationships.

Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1599&inflect=2