Let’s get honest: Florida’s legal protections for survivors of domestic violence haven’t caught up with the reality of modern abuse. Not just physical abuse—but emotional, psychological, and financial harm. The kind that leaves no bruises, but wounds you all the same.
And if that sounds dramatic, let me tell you a story.
When the System Fails, People Die
Years ago, I lost a friend in a way that will haunt me for the rest of my life.
She was smart. Independent. Funny as hell.
She did what so many are told to do—she tried to get help. She asked the legal system for protection from someone who had threatened her. But without visible injuries, her request was denied.
Because there weren’t bruises. Because “emotional abuse” and “threats” weren’t considered enough.
We had plans the next day. She never showed up.
She was gone before breakfast.
That piece of paper she asked for? The one she was told she didn’t qualify for? It didn’t stop what happened.
And that’s the same broken system we still have today.
Why I’m Speaking Up Now
Recently, I experienced a relationship that didn’t leave visible scars. But make no mistake—what I went through was abuse. Manipulation. Gaslighting. Control. Emotional erosion so quiet and calculated, I didn’t recognize the harm until it was done.
Even after the relationship ended, the emotional tactics continued: unexpected messages, twisted accusations, a sense of constant unease. The kind of stress that makes your whole body feel like it’s on alert all the time.
So I did what I had to: I went no contact. And that peace? I protect it with everything I have.
Because once you reclaim your peace, you don’t let anyone take it from you again.
This Isn’t About Me. But It’s Personal.
For a long time, I stayed silent. Tried to “move on.” But silence didn’t save my friend, and it didn’t help me either.
Therapy has helped me name what happened. It helped me understand how someone can lose themselves while trying to love someone else. It helped me realize that coercive control—control without physical violence—is real. And dangerous.
That pain lit a fire in me.
Because the truth is: no one should have to live in fear of the next text, the next knock, or the next “what if.” Every human being deserves to feel safe. Period.
What Is Coercive Control?
Florida Senate Bill 844 was a proposed law that aimed to expand protections for survivors of nonphysical abuse—like coercive control, a pattern of psychological manipulation and isolation.
🧠 FACT: The U.S. Department of Justice recognizes emotional and psychological abuse as part of domestic violence. These forms of abuse can cause significant harm to mental and emotional health.
🧠 FACT: A peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence found that nonphysical abuse—like stalking, threats, and coercive control—dramatically increases the risk of homicide, even when there’s no prior physical violence.
This isn’t a hypothetical. It’s a warning sign.
What Happened to SB 844?
Senate Bill 844 (2025) was introduced to update Florida’s definition of domestic violence to include coercive control—a dangerous, often invisible pattern of psychological abuse. It was referred to the Criminal Justice Committee, the very first step in the legislative process.
But it died there.
Why?
Because it was never given a hearing. Never debated. Never voted on.
“Died in Criminal Justice” doesn’t mean it was rejected. It means it was ignored.
And when bills meant to protect survivors are ignored, so are the lives at stake.
We can’t let that happen again.
Why This Needs to Be Reintroduced in 2026
This isn’t just paperwork. This is about people—real survivors who are still told they “don’t qualify” for protection because they weren’t hit. Because the abuse didn’t leave bruises.
SB 844 would give them a legal tool to fight back before things escalate. Before it becomes a headline. Before someone else is lost.
Now is the time to raise our voices.
From now through the start of the 2026 session, I—and many others—will be doing everything we can to get this bill reintroduced, heard, and passed. We need lawmakers to understand: if coercive control isn’t abuse in the eyes of the law, then the law is failing survivors.
Here’s What You Can Do
📣 Raise awareness – Talk about the invisible forms of abuse. Share this post. Start the conversation.
🧠 Support survivors – Believe them. Listen. Show up.
📩 Contact your legislators – Ask for the reintroduction and support of Senate Bill 844 in 2026. Use respectful, solution-based language. It matters.
🆘 Report abuse – If you or someone you love is experiencing abuse—physical or emotional—there are safe, anonymous ways to report it.
📲 Know this number:
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
1−800−799−SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788
You are not alone.
Legal Disclaimer
This post is based on personal experiences, public information, and referenced research. It does not name, identify, or accuse any individual or entity. It is intended solely for education, awareness, and advocacy around improving safety for survivors of abuse. All opinions expressed are protected as free speech and are not intended to cause harm or make allegations.