Changes in the family court system are being seen within the United States, slowly states are passing laws that recognize coercive control as one of the many forms of domestic violence. There are not enough advocates to help those who have survived domestic violence or are still currently suffering through it, assistance is needed from higher authority. Those who have not personally suffered through abuse may have difficulty grasping or comprehending it's severe impact on individuals.

Here is a proposal for you Governor Brown, a proposal to form a new law. A law that will formally recognize coercive control as a form of domestic violence, it will require those in authority to further educate on all aspects of domestic violence to better protect those in need. It will adequately provide for those who may be trapped in these horrendous situations. Resources will be better tailored to effectively aide those in need, and enlighten those who lack understanding. It will not belitte and dismiss those who gathered the courage to step forward and seek help through the justice system. This very system currently shames and re-victimizes those who finally used their voice or sought help.

This is a war taking place on an even global level, abuse does not discriminate. It occurs in every race, gender, age, and religion. That makes the significance of this war far greater.

A stand has to be taken for the many voices that yearn to be heard, to remedy the justice system and tip the scales of justice back to their proper alignment.

California and Hawaii have implemented laws that recognize coercive control as a form of domestic violence. South Carolina and Maryland have laws in the works. Oregon can utilize those as a framework for its own laws. If more States join and take action on this, it will gain enough momentum to be recognized on higher levels. Those in authority will become more cognizant of the problems occuring, and can take proper action.

Change needs to happen, and it needs to happen now.

"Change in the world comes from individuals, from the inner peace in individual hearts. Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.”