AUGUSTA – On Monday, March 3, Rep. Holly Eaton, D-Deer Isle, introduced a bill to address coercive control in domestic abuse
cases. Eaton introduced the bill after hearing from a constituent about the struggles of navigating the legal system, aiming to ensure the full extent of abuse suffered by survivors is recognized by law.
“This is a survivor-centered bill,” said Eaton. “LD 670 acknowledges the full realities of domestic abuse, and I am so grateful to the survivors who courageously shared their experiences with the committee in support of this bill.”
LD 670 adds coercive control to the definition of abuse in state statute and defines the term in the protection-from-abuse laws. Coercive control is defined as a pattern of behavior designed to dominate, isolate, manipulate or exploit a person who is a dating partner or a family or household member. It includes limiting the access of the person to financial resources or employment; monitoring or restricting movements, communications or daily activities of the person; isolating the person from friends, family or support systems; using intimidation, threats or coercion against the person to create fear or dependency; exploiting vulnerabilities of the person such as immigration status, disabilities or mental health conditions.
Survivors and family members testified in person and in writing to support adding coercive control to the legal definition of abuse, including Patrisha McLean, founder and CEO of Finding Our Voices.
“I urge you to follow the lead of states including Hawaii, Connecticut and Massachusetts by adding coercive control to the definition of domestic abuse in Maine,” said McLean.
A work session on the bill will be scheduled in the coming days.
Eaton is serving her second term in the Maine House and represents the communities of Brooklin, Deer Isle, Eagle Island Township, Frenchboro, Southwest Harbor, Stonington, Swan’s Island, Tremont, Isle au Haut and Vinalhaven. She serves as a member of the Marine Resources Committee and the Transportation Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Eaton) | 305-965-2744
Photo: Rep. Eaton introduces LD 670 before the Judiciary Committee.