Bill > S08633

This bill addresses coercive control by establishing a comprehensive legal framework to recognize, prevent, and provide remedies for this form of domestic abuse. The bill defines coercive control as a pattern of behavior designed to dominate, intimidate, or subordinate another person by unreasonably interfering with their free will, personal liberty, or autonomy. This definition includes specific actions such as isolating a person from support networks, controlling their communications and movements, restricting access to resources and services, monitoring digital activities, and engaging in repeated verbal degradation. The legislation grants both family and criminal courts concurrent jurisdiction over cases involving coercive control and allows courts to issue protective orders based on a preponderance of evidence. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Office of Court Administration develop and administer mandatory training for judges and court clerks on coercive control, covering topics like statutory definitions, patterns of conduct, evidentiary considerations, and survivor safety. The bill also establishes a private right of action, enabling victims to sue for damages including economic losses, emotional distress, and potentially punitive damages, with a six-year statute of limitations. Importantly, the law emphasizes that reasonable actions taken to protect safety or exercise lawful authority do not constitute coercive control.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8633