Coercive Control as Abuse

Event Start:
03/12/2025 4:00 PM
Event End:
03/12/2025 6:00 PM

Date & Time: Wednesday, March 12, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. ET
Webinar Fee: $65

This program is online only and will be recorded. Everyone who registers will receive a link to the video recordings for sessions they are registered for.

CPCS has approved 2.0 credit hours for the CAFL (Trial and Appeals), Criminal Appeals, Mental Health Appeals, and  Criminal Trial panels.

Faculty

The Honorable Marianne C. Hinkle (ret.),

former Chair, Trial Court Domestic and Sexual Violence Education Task Force

Bethany Stevens, Esq., Chief Legal Officer/Director of Legal Policy & Judicial Training, Administrative Office of the District Court

Benjamin B. Selman, Esq., Legal Training Attorney, Committee for Public Counsel Services

Jamie Ann Sabino, Esq., Deputy Director of Advocacy, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute

In 2024, the Massachusetts Legislature passed a new law that has expanded the definition of abuse in the context of G.L. c. 209A to include “coercive control,” which is statutorily defined and includes a comprehensive list of what could be considered suspect nonviolent conduct.  In addition to expanding the basis upon which an abuse prevention order may be issued, this new definition impacts a number of statutes which cross-reference G.L. c. 209A’s definition of “abuse.”

This program will cover the legislative history leading to this amendment and a detailed review of the statutory revision in c. 209A proceedings, as well as how this revision might influence the interpretation of abuse in related statutes such as bail and firearms laws.  Discussion will include how coercive and controlling behaviors are addressed in the Massachusetts Trial Court’s Guidelines for Judicial Practice: Abuse Prevention Proceedings. Discussion will include the available remedies that may be ordered.

Specifically covered:

  • Step by step review of the language of the amendment
  • Harms proponents of the bill seek to address
  • Revision of court forms and resource material
  • Comparison with similar laws in other jurisdictions
  • Impact beyond G.L. c.209A
    • Other statutes in which abuse is referenced (e.g. bail)
    • Reference to coercive and controlling behaviors in the Guidelines for Judicial Practice: Abuse Prevention.
  • Impact on criminal defense and related 209A practice

Online registration is encouraged. For assistance, questions on group discounts, accommodations requests, special billing, program content, out-of-state CLE credits, and general contact CLE Coordinator, Michael Saporito by email at msaporito@socialaw.com. Registrations accepted in order of receipt. Registration fees are non-refundable. Most Social Law Library CLE events are recorded and recordings are sent to all who are registered. The recording is available by digital download, generally within a week after the program date. CLE credit, when applicable, is only granted when 80 % of the live webinar is attended. 

 

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