Proposal for Mandatory Coercive Control & Abuse Training in 
Alabama Courts
PURPOSE:
To protect victims of domestic abuse by requiring all family court professionals in Alabama to be trained in recognizing and responding to coercive control, emotional abuse, and trauma-based 
manipulation.
THE PROBLEM:
Many victims of domestic violence don’t present with visible bruises — they’re psychologically manipulated, gaslit, stalked, financially controlled, and emotionally broken down. But because 
coercive control isn’t well understood in Alabama courts, victims are often silenced, blamed, or forced into custody arrangements with their abuser.
THE SOLUTION:
Mandate statewide training on coercive control for:
- Family court judges
- Custody evaluators
- Guardians ad litem
- Court-appointed therapists and mediators
Training would include:
- Trauma-informed response techniques
- How coercive control shows up in family court
- Post-separation abuse and “parental alienation” misuse
- Child safety first policies
WHY IT MATTERS:
Understanding coercive control saves lives.
It prevents re-traumatization in court.
And it gives judges and staff the tools to make informed and just decisions.
CALL TO ACTION:
We urge the Alabama Legislature to sponsor and pass a bill requiring coercive control education 
across all family courts. Victims deserve protection. Children deserve safety. This training is how 
we get there.