Does the law recognize coercive control?
Recognition varies by jurisdiction. Some states and countries name coercive control directly in statute. Others address the same behaviors through domestic violence, stalking, harassment, or custody law. Either way, a dated, documented pattern is what makes those behaviors legible to a court.
This page is general information, not legal advice, and laws change. Confirm current requirements with an attorney or advocate in your jurisdiction.
United States
Utah
Named in statuteUtah Code § 76-5-109.1 addresses coercive control involving a child; coercive-control behavior is also relevant to protective orders and custody findings.
California
Named in statuteFamily Code § 6320 includes coercive control within the definition of abuse for domestic violence restraining orders, and it is a factor in custody decisions.
Hawaii
Named in statuteCoercive control is defined within the domestic abuse statutes and can support a protective order.
Connecticut
Named in statuteJennifer's Law expanded the definition of domestic violence to include coercive control for civil relief and family matters.
Washington
Named in statuteCoercive control is defined in the state's civil protection order act and is considered in parenting plans.
Colorado
Named in statuteCoercive control is recognized within domestic abuse definitions used for protection orders and parental-responsibility decisions.
New York
Partially recognizedCoercive control concepts appear in family offense and custody practice; there is no standalone criminal statute.
Most other states
Addressed through related lawBehaviors are typically addressed through domestic violence, stalking, harassment, financial exploitation, or custody 'best interests' standards rather than a coercive-control statute.
Outside the United States
England and Wales
Named in statuteControlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship is a criminal offence under the Serious Crime Act 2015, s.76.
Scotland
Named in statuteThe Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 criminalizes an abusive course of behaviour, including coercive control.
Ireland
Named in statuteThe Domestic Violence Act 2018 created a standalone coercive control offence.
Australia
Partially recognizedSeveral states, including New South Wales and Queensland, have criminalized coercive control; recognition differs by state and territory.
Canada
Addressed through related lawNo standalone criminal offence at present; coercive control is recognized within family law as a form of family violence.
Start with the pattern, not the statute
Whatever your jurisdiction calls it, the same thing helps: recognizing the behaviors and documenting them as they happen. The free self-check walks you through the patterns, and anything you identify can be carried into a documented timeline.