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132nd MAINE LEGISLATURE
FIRST REGULAR SESSION-2025
Legislative Document No. 670H.P. 438House of Representatives, February 25, 2025
An Act to Address Coercive Control in Domestic Abuse Cases
Received by the Clerk of the House on February 20, 2025. Referred to the Committee on
Judiciary pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 401.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Representative EATON of Deer Isle.
Cosponsored by Senator TALBOT ROSS of Cumberland and
Representatives: CLOUTIER of Lewiston, COPELAND of Saco, GRAHAM of North
Yarmouth, MILLIKEN of Blue Hill, ROEDER of Bangor, STOVER of Boothbay, WEBB of
Durham, Senator: GROHOSKI of Hancock. Page 1 - 132LR1916(01)
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2 as enacted by PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3
3 and affected by Pt. B, §65, is amended to read:
4 G. Engaging in the unauthorized dissemination of certain private images as prohibited
5 pursuant to Title 17‑A, section 511‑A; or
6 as enacted by PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. A, §3
7 and affected by Pt. B, §65, is amended to read:
8 H. Engaging in aggravated sex trafficking or sex trafficking as described in Title
9 section 852 or 853, respectively.; or
10 is enacted to read:
11 I. Engaging in coercive control of a person.
12 is enacted to read:
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14 dominate, isolate, manipulate or exploit a person who is a dating partner or a family or
15 household member. "Coercive control" includes:
16 A. Limiting the access of the person to financial resources or employment;
17 B. Monitoring or restricting movements, communications or daily activities of the
18 person;
19 C. Isolating the person from friends, family or support systems;
20 D. Using intimidation, threats or coercion against the person to create fear or
21 dependency; and
22 E. Exploiting vulnerabilities of the person such as immigration status, disabilities or
23 mental health conditions.
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25 This bill adds coercive control to the definition of "abuse" and defines the term
26 "coercive control" in the protection from abuse laws.
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