Anthony Nolan

This month we held a great discussion on Understanding Coercive Control, hosted by State Representative Christine Conley and I. You can watch the full forum here.

Last year, we passed SB 1091, known as Jennifer's Law, which added coercive control to the definition of domestic violence. Coercive control is described as a pattern of threatening, humiliating, or intimidating acts that harm a person and deprive them of their freedom.

This new and expanded definition of domestic violence will now apply to all family court proceedings: restraining orders, divorce, and custody cases. The bill also establishes a new legal aid program to provide legal representation for victims of domestic violence who apply for restraining orders.

Panelists:

· State Representative Anthony Nolan

· State Representative Christine Conley

· Judge Karen Goodrow, Superior Court Judge

· Liza Andrews, Director of Public Policy CCADV

· Sgt. Richard Sawyer, Groton Town PD Liaison

· Katherine Verano, CEO Safe Futures