What the New Maine Law on Coercive Control Means for Victims

There is a new Maine law that is recognizing victims of non-physical abuse and expanding how the state is defining domestic abuse all together.  

For the very first time, “coercion” has now become part of Maine’s protection-from-abuse statute. The bill is called, Coercive Control and will acknowledge all the ways that abusers can take control without using physical force.  

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call 866-834-4357 for free, confidential help available 24/7 in Maine. 

This new bill to Maine law is making a difference for survivors like Jane, a pseudonym used to protect her identity, according to the Bangor Daily News.

New Maine Law Recognizes Coercive Control as Domestic Abuse

As per the article, she was the breadwinner of her family however her husband was obsessively watching and going through the finances and each week demanded she show him a list of income and expenses.

If he didn’t like something he saw, Jane would endure terrible outbursts or many days of silence.  

“Because he didn’t ever hit me with his fists, I tried to rationalize that he wasn’t abusing me.”  said Jane

This new law will help Jane and others like her. According to Woman Said, "coercive control is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim. Coercive and controlling behaviour is at the heart of domestic abuse."

And in like Jane’s situation is can include financial restrictions, threats, stalking, or constant monitoring. 

Representative Holly Eaton of Deer Isle introduced this law after hearing from her constituents about years and years of psychological and emotion abuse that courts don’t acknowledge.  

Read More: Have You Heard About Maine's Little-Known 'Romeo & Juliet Law'?

Many other states are also adding this law and by doing so it will help survivors feel validated and feel safe to speak out knowing that if they end up in court they won’t be ignored.

Now, of course folks are cautious and think this is too vague but this represents progress for our state acknowledging that we care about all victims.  

What do you think about this new law?