New Law Protects Survivors of Domestic Abuse

Last week as America celebrated its independence, so too did thousands of Massachusetts domestic abuse survivors. Thanks to the unanimous, bipartisan support of our state legislators and governor, H.4744 An Act to prevent abuse and exploitation was signed into law. It will offer protection to those seeking freedom from an insidious form of domestic abuse known as coercive control.

Massachusetts now becomes the seventh state in the nation to expand its definition of domestic abuse to include coercive control, a form of abuse where perpetrators use threats, intimidation, isolation, stalking, and other manipulative tactics to maintain control over and force compliance of an intimate partner, spouse, or family member. The ultimate goal of abusers is to maintain power and control. It begins subtly then increases with intensity over time. Victims often do not recognize the warning signs until it is too late.

Abuse comes in many forms—psychological, financial, legal, technological, sexual, and physical. While current law protects against physical violence and sexual assault, those are typically the latter stages of domestic abuse. In the early stages, abusers torment their victims without ever physically touching them. The new law addresses the non-physical and less visible forms of domestic abuse for which outdated laws offer no protection.

An Act to prevent abuse and exploitation was signed by Gov. Maura Healey on June 20, 2024, and will go into effect 90 days later. Under the new law, domestic abuse victims may obtain restraining orders for non-physical forms of abuse. The law will criminalize the non-consensual sharing of explicit images (“revenge porn”) and create a diversion program for teens who share explicit images. Legislators have also included protections against abuse using deep fakes and artificial intelligence.

Though I would never want to relive what got me here, the outcome validates that when we break our silence and slay the shame and stigma of domestic abuse, our experience can bring hope, healing, and help to others. I never set out to become a legislative advocate, just as I never sought to be in an abusive relationship. My experience taught me that it can happen to anyone. Victims don't choose abusers; abusers choose their victims. One predator can have many prey.

The playing field has now been leveled. Abusers have a new opponent. It is called the law: An Act to prevent abuse and exploitation.

To learn more, visit: Bill H.4744 (malegislature.gov)

If you or somebody you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please call the National Domestic Abuse Hotline at 800.799.SAFE (7233). They can refer you to local resources and support.