Coercive control is a pattern of behavior used to intimidate, humiliate, surveil, and isolate a person. It is a form of abuse designed to take away a person's freedom and sense of self. It is not an 'argument' or 'a bad relationship'—it is a violation of human rights.

Behaviors can include: isolating you from friends and family, controlling your finances, monitoring your movements or communications (phone, social media), making threats against you, your children, or pets, and constantly criticizing or demeaning you.

The law defines coercive control as a pattern of behavior that a 'reasonable person' would believe is intended to make you feel intimidated, degraded, or humiliated. This means the focus is on the impact of the behavior, not just the intent.

Because coercive control is now part of the legal definition of family violence, you can include these non-physical acts of abuse in your application for a Protective Order. Documenting this pattern is key.