South Carolina needs to recognize coercive control as abuse—Bill S.0702 can do that

Coercive control destroys lives in ways that don't show up as bruises. It's the isolation, the constant monitoring, the threats—sometimes hidden behind closed doors and even religion. Victims stay silent because our legal system doesn't recognize it as the serious abuse it is.

South Carolina is the #1 state for domestic violence deaths, and we need to act now. I started a petition asking lawmakers to pass Bill S.0702 to make coercive control a recognized form of domestic abuse. This isn't just about separation—for many victims, the abuse escalates after they leave. The courts, law enforcement, and support services need to understand trauma and protect people before it's too late.

What would change: Bill S.0702 would give victims a legal pathway to justice, train law enforcement to recognize coercive control, and help family courts take this seriously. It means victims wouldn't be trapped in silence anymore.

If this matters to you—or if you know someone living in fear right now—consider signing and sharing. Everyone deserves to live without daily terror.