In a recent government meeting, State Representative Stephanie Dietz presented a draft bill aimed at amending Kentucky's domestic violence laws to include provisions addressing coercive control. This legislative effort comes in the wake of tragic incidents in the state, including the recent murders of Erica Riley and her mother, who were killed shortly after securing an Emergency Protective Order (EPO), and a mass shooting at a birthday party in Boone County.

Dietz emphasized the need to recognize coercive control as a significant factor in domestic violence, describing it as a pattern of behavior that undermines a victim's autonomy through manipulation, isolation, financial control, and threats. She highlighted that these tactics, while not always involving physical violence, can be equally damaging and often precede physical abuse.

Christy Birch, CEO of the Ion Center for Violence Prevention, supported Dietz's initiative, sharing her experiences working with survivors of domestic violence. Birch noted that coercive control manifests in various ways, including isolation from friends and family, economic abuse, and extreme surveillance. She provided harrowing examples of survivors who faced severe restrictions on their freedom and autonomy, illustrating the pervasive nature of this form of abuse.

Both Dietz and Birch called for urgent action to address these issues, arguing that the proposed legislation could provide victims with critical protections before physical violence occurs. They stressed the importance of acknowledging the full spectrum of domestic violence, which includes psychological and emotional abuse, to better support survivors and prevent future tragedies. The proposed bill aims to fill a significant gap in current laws, potentially saving lives and empowering victims to escape abusive situations.