This bill amends the existing law regarding the State's domestic violence public awareness campaign to include information on recognizing indicators of coercive control, which is a form of abuse. Specifically, it mandates that the campaign address the recognition of coercive control as defined in current law, which includes behaviors such as isolating victims, depriving them of necessities, and monitoring their activities. This addition aims to enhance public understanding of domestic violence and its various forms, thereby assisting victims and their families.

Furthermore, the bill expands the campaign's outreach by requiring that information be made available in multiple languages, as recommended by the Advisory Council on Domestic Violence, rather than being limited to just English and Spanish. It also establishes an annual reporting requirement for the Director of the Division on Women in the Department of Children and Families to provide updates on the campaign's activities and accomplishments. These changes are intended to improve the effectiveness of the campaign in raising awareness and providing support to victims of domestic violence.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:27D-43.36