Updated October 2026
Does your state recognize coercive control?
At least 9 states name it in family or protective-order law. Most of these laws are civil, not criminal.
| State | What the law does | Citation | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | Custody courts must assess coercive control; presumption against giving parental responsibilities to an abusive parent | HB26-1309 | 2026 |
| New Hampshire | Coercive control counts as abuse for protective orders if it causes reasonable fear for safety | HB 1522, RSA 173-B | 2026 |
| Massachusetts | Coercive control added to the abuse definition for restraining orders | G.L. c. 209A §1 | 2024 |
| New Jersey | Courts consider a pattern of coercive control in restraining order decisions | Prevention of Domestic Violence Act | 2024 |
| Vermont | Coercive controlling behavior added to civil abuse prevention orders | Act 103 (H.27) | 2024 |
| Washington | Coercive control defined for civil protection orders | RCW 7.105.010 | 2022 |
| California | Coercive control is abuse under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act; the 2026 Reclaim Act lets survivors stop abusive litigation | Fam. Code §6320(c); SB 1192 | 2021, 2026 |
| Connecticut | Coercive control in the family-violence definition; considered in custody | Public Act 21-78 | 2021 |
| Hawaii | Coercive control defined for domestic abuse protective orders | HRS §586-1 | 2020 |
New in California · SB 1192
The Reclaim Act
Signed September 30, 2026, it lets a domestic violence survivor ask a court to stop an abuser's frivolous or abusive lawsuits and discovery.
- A prefiling order means the abuser needs a judge's permission before filing against the survivor
- The case and pending discovery pause while the motion is decided
- No filing fees for the survivor, and remote hearings are allowed
Expected to take effect January 1, 2027. Ask your attorney whether it fits your case.
Legal information, not legal advice. New York's S8633-A is pending. If your state isn't listed, check WomensLaw.org or your state domestic violence coalition.