Amends the definition of "domestic violence" to include the coercive control of another resulting in a pattern of behavior that in purpose or effect unreasonably interferes with another person's free will or personal liberty.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would expand Rhode Island's legal definition of "domestic violence" to include a type of harmful behavior called "coercive control." Currently, domestic violence under Rhode Island law is generally understood to involve physical acts like hitting or threatening someone. This bill would broaden that definition to also cover situations where one person uses a repeated pattern of behavior to control another person in ways that interfere with their freedom and personal choices — even if no physical violence occurs.

Coercive control can include things like monitoring someone's movements, isolating them from friends and family, controlling their finances, dictating what they wear or who they can talk to, or using repeated emotional or psychological pressure to dominate their daily life. Under this bill, if that kind of ongoing controlling behavior unreasonably limits a person's free will or personal liberty, it could legally qualify as domestic violence in Rhode Island.

This change would primarily affect people in domestic relationships — such as spouses, partners, or household members — both as potential victims and as those accused of abuse. Victims who have experienced control and manipulation but not necessarily physical violence may have greater access to legal protections, such as restraining orders, if this bill becomes law. Law enforcement, courts, and domestic violence advocates would also need to adapt to recognizing and responding to these non-physical forms of abuse.

Currently, the bill has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which has recommended holding it for further study, meaning it has not yet advanced toward becoming law.