Virginia House Bill HB713

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Family abuse; coercive control, penalty.

Impact

The bill is expected to have significant implications on state laws related to family abuse and protective measures available for victims. It seeks to amend existing statutes, thereby updating the legal framework surrounding domestic violence to include coercive control as a punishable offense. Supporters argue that the bill will empower victims by making clear that non-physical forms of abuse are recognized and actionable under law. This could lead to an increase in the number of cases brought forward, as victims may feel more validated and supported in their experiences of control and manipulation. However, there could also be concerns about the enforcement of these provisions and the potential for misuse.

Summary

House Bill 713 addresses family abuse by specifically defining and penalizing a form of abusive behavior known as 'coercive control.' This behavior includes actions that manipulate or control a family or household member's independence or well-being, such as isolation, deprivation of necessities, and monitoring movements. The bill classifies engaging in coercive control as a Class 1 misdemeanor, which highlights the legal system's growing recognition of psychological abuse as a serious issue alongside physical harm. By criminalizing coercive control, the bill aims to provide victims with more legal protections and recourse against such behavior.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise around the issue of defining coercive control, as it requires a broad interpretation of actions that may differ widely among individuals. Critics may argue that the subjective nature of coercive control could lead to false accusations or overreach in enforcement. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the resources needed to adequately support enforcement of the new misdemeanor charge, including police training and the judicial system's readiness to handle an increase in caseloads. Opponents might stress the need for more focus on physical abuse and existing protections rather than introducing new classifications that may complicate legal proceedings.