This bill aims to amend the definition of domestic violence in West Virginia law by updating the existing language in section 48-27-202 and adding a new section, 48-27-202a. The revised definition of "domestic violence" now includes acts of coercive control, which is characterized as a pattern of threatening, humiliating, or intimidating actions that harm or frighten an individual. The bill specifies various behaviors that constitute coercive control, such as isolating the individual from support, controlling their finances, monitoring their activities, and subjecting them to verbal degradation and threats.

Additionally, the bill replaces the term "article" with "code" in the definition of domestic violence and introduces a comprehensive definition of coercive control, detailing specific actions that fall under this category. These actions include threats of harm, property damage, and forcing individuals into criminal activities or child abuse. The overall purpose of the bill is to enhance the legal framework surrounding domestic violence by recognizing and addressing the complexities of coercive control as a form of abuse.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 48-27-202, 48-27-202a