Advocating for Victims & Survivors of Domestic Violence

October 7, 2022

Statistics show that 1 in 4 women & 1 in 7 men are affected by domestic violence every day. That is why I am proud that Connecticut is at the forefront in addressing this issue, passing laws that offer more support and protection to victims and survivors of domestic violence.

During the 2021 legislative session, we passed a law that offers more support and protection to victims and survivors of domestic violence. We  expanded the definition of domestic violence to include coercive control. Coercive control is a pattern or behavior that can use threatening, intimidation, or exploitation to trap individuals in abusive relationships.

This expanded definition recognizes intimate partner violence can be more than physical abuse – it can take shape as emotional, psychological, and sexual abuse. This measure will help make the process of filing for restraining orders, divorce, child custody, and other family court matters easier for victims and survivors. It would also create a new legal aid program to provide legal representation for victims and survivors of domestic violence.
 
To support and help victims and survivors of domestic violence visit CTSafeConnect.org or call or text (888) 774-2900. Help is available 24/7.