On September 18, 2024, Massachusetts enacted a groundbreaking law, Bill H. 4744, “An Act to Prevent Abuse and Exploitation,” which redefined abuse to include coercive control as a form of domestic violence. This law expands the definition of abuse under Massachusetts General Laws c.209A (commonly referred to as restraining orders).

What’s New Under the Law?

Previously, for a victim to qualify for a 209A Abuse Prevention Order, the abuser must have:

1. Physically harmed the victim,
2. Made them fear physical harm, or
3. Forced or threatened involuntary sexual activity.

Now, coercive control has been added as a fourth form of abuse, allowing victims of non-physical forms of abuse to seek protection.

What Is Coercive Control?

Coercive control involves patterns of behavior or a single severe act intended to intimidate, isolate, or dominate a victim. It often reduces the victim’s physical safety, autonomy, or sense of control.

1. A Pattern of Behavior (Subsection a)

To qualify as coercive control, the abuser must display a pattern of three or more related incidents involving behaviors such as:

• Isolation: Preventing contact with family, friends, or support networks.
• Deprivation of Basic Needs: Controlling access to food, medication, or finances.
• Monitoring and Stalking: Using GPS, social media, or others to track the victim’s movements and communications.
• Threats: Making threats against children, relatives, pets, or property.
• Legal Abuse: Filing repeated frivolous lawsuits to harass or drain the victim emotionally and financially.

2. A Single Severe Act (Subsection b)

In some cases, a single act may also constitute coercive control. The law specifies the following as qualifying actions:

• Harming or attempting to harm a child or relative.
• Abusing or threatening to abuse a pet.
• Publishing or threatening to publish sexually explicit images of the victim (e.g., revenge porn).

Key Requirements for Coercive Control to Qualify

Both patterns of behavior and single acts must meet these criteria:

1. The conduct occurs between “family or household members” (which includes spouses, co-parents, relatives, or those in substantial dating relationships).
2. The acts are intended to threaten, intimidate, isolate, or control the victim.
3. The victim reasonably fears physical harm or experiences reduced safety or autonomy.

Examples of Coercive Control

Here are practical examples from the law to help you identify coercive control in your life:

1. Isolation

• Physically preventing someone from leaving home or participating in work, education, or social activities.
• Severing the victim’s connections with family, friends, or support networks.
• Supervising or restricting their movements and communications.

2. Deprivation of Basic Needs

• Blocking access to food, medication, or healthcare.
• Controlling finances, cancelling insurance, or interfering with household bills.

3. Monitoring and Stalking

• Using technology (e.g., GPS trackers, apps) to track the victim’s location or activities.
• Monitoring phone calls, emails, or social media accounts.
• Using children or acquaintances to obtain information about the victim.

4. Restricting Autonomy

• Controlling what the victim wears, eats, or who they interact with.
• Forcing the victim into unwanted activities, including criminal acts.
• Manipulating health decisions, such as contraception or pregnancy.

5. Intimidation and Threats

• Threatening harm to children, pets, or property.
• Using weapons to intimidate or engage in reckless behavior to cause fear.

6. Publishing Explicit Images

• Sharing or threatening to share personal or sexually explicit images without consent.

7. Legal Abuse

• Filing unwarranted legal actions to harass or drain the victim’s resources.
• Habitually violating court orders to create a sense of helplessness.

Who Is Protected Under the Law?

The law defines “family or household members” broadly to include:

• Current or former spouses,
• Individuals who live or lived together,
• Relatives by blood or marriage,
• Co-parents (regardless of marriage or cohabitation), and
• Individuals in a substantial dating or engagement relationship.

Courts consider factors such as the length, type, and frequency of the relationship to determine whether it qualifies.

Why This Law Matters

For many survivors of domestic violence, abuse isn’t always physical. Coercive control often erodes a victim’s autonomy, isolates them from support systems, and creates an environment of fear. By recognizing coercive control as a form of abuse, Massachusetts has taken a significant step toward protecting victims and holding abusers accountable.

How Mansur Law Group Can Help

If you believe you’ve been a victim of coercive control, don’t wait to take action. At Mansur Law Group, we are compassionate and experienced attorneys dedicated to helping victims secure restraining orders and regain their freedom.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Together, we can help you stop the abuse and take back control of your life.