If you are experiencing fear, intimidation, or control in your relationship, you may wonder whether what you’re living with “counts” as domestic violence. Many people think domestic violence only means hitting or physical injuries. It does not.
New Jersey now recognizes coercive control as an important factor when courts decide whether someone needs a Final Restraining Order (FRO) for protection. This means the courts understand that abuse can be emotional, psychological, financial, or sexual—not just physical.
A recent (February 10, 2026) published case in New Jersey, S.M.T. v. S.A. (2026), makes this very clear. The court reversed a trial judge’s decision and ruled that a woman was entitled to an FRO because her husband used patterns of controlling, intimidating, and nonconsensual behavior in addition to physical and sexual assaults.
This decision is important for anyone wondering whether they should seek help.
What Is Coercive Control?
Coercive control is a pattern of behavior used to dominate or trap someone in a relationship. These behaviors add up over time and can make you feel unsafe, helpless, unsure of yourself, or afraid to make basic decisions.
Coercive control may include:
- Monitoring you (checking your phone, tracking your movements, installing cameras, opening your mail)
- Limiting your independence (preventing you from seeing friends or family, controlling when you leave the house, interfering with your travel)
- Controlling finances (taking your money, refusing to let you access accounts, questioning every purchase)
- Threatening you (emotionally, verbally, using immigration status, threatening to report you to authorities)
- Manipulating your children or parenting time
- Sexual control (forcing sexual activity or ignoring your “no”)
- Sleep deprivation or constant harassment
If any of these feel familiar, you’re not alone—and New Jersey law does recognize these behaviors as serious.
Why Coercive Control Matters in Court
To issue a final restraining order, a New Jersey judge first looks at whether a “predicate act” occurred—something legally defined as domestic violence (like harassment, assault, sexual assault, or terroristic threats).
Once an act of domestic violence is proven, the judge must look at whether you’re at risk for future abuse.
This is where coercive control becomes critical.
The law requires the court to consider whether your partner has been using patterns of control that interfere with your:
- safety
- freedom
- privacy
- independence
- ability to make choices
- physical or emotional well-being
If those patterns exist, the court may decide you need ongoing protection through an FRO.
How the S.M.T. v. S.A. Case Helps Victims
In the S.M.T. v. S.A. case, the trial judge originally denied the victim an FRO, calling much of her experience “marital disagreements.” But the Appellate Division found:
- She had proven physical assault
- Her testimony showed sexual assault
- Her husband engaged in ongoing coercive control, including controlling her travel, monitoring her, interfering with her communication, depriving her of sleep, and restricting access to finances and the children
Because the trial judge ignored the importance of coercive control, the higher court reversed the decision and ordered an FRO to protect her.
This case sends a strong message:
Coercive control is real, dangerous, and can be enough to show you need protection.
Warning Signs You Should NOT Ignore
Ask yourself:
- Does your partner try to control where you go or who you talk to?
- Do you feel monitored or watched?
- Are you afraid to say “no” because you worry they’ll get angry?
- Do they threaten to ruin your reputation, take your children, or call authorities on you?
- Have they pressured you into sexual activity you did not want?
- Do they block your access to money, transportation, or important documents?
- Do you feel like you can’t make basic decisions without permission?
If you said “yes” to any of these, you may be experiencing coercive control.
What To Do
You do not need bruises or hospital visits to qualify for protection. Harassment is the most common form of domestic violence. Further, many assaults don’t require medical treatment. Nevertheless, they still count as domestic violence. Coercive control is present in many abusive relationships which is why its an important factor that the court must consider.
If you’ve experienced domestic violence:
- You can apply for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)
- You can explain your partner’s controlling behavior to the court
- The court must consider coercive control when deciding whether to grant an FRO
You are not overreacting. You are not imagining it. And you are not alone.
For Legal Help
If you need help understanding your rights or options regarding domestic violence contact our office at 609-904-3020.
Additional Resources
- NJ Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-572-SAFE (7233)
- Your local police department (you can request a TRO at any time)
- A local domestic violence agency, which can provide shelter, counseling, and safety planning
Law Office of Stephanie Albrecht-Pedrick
