Coercive Control
Advocating for Coercive Control Legislation in South Carolina
UPDATE** Just 53 days after we posted this article. a new bill for Criminal Coercive Control has been introduced to the Senate Committee on Judiciary
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., — In light of recent events and ongoing concerns about domestic abuse, there is a pressing need for South Carolina to enact comprehensive legislation addressing coercive control. Coercive control refers to a pattern of behavior that seeks to dominate and intimidate an individual, often manifesting as psychological, emotional, or financial abuse. While physical violence is more readily recognized, coercive control can be equally, if not more, damaging, as it systematically erodes a person’s autonomy and well-being.
What is Coercive Control?
Coercive control refers to a pattern of behavior that seeks to isolate, intimidate, or manipulate a person, often in a domestic context. This form of abuse may not involve physical violence, but it can include emotional abuse, surveillance, threats, financial control, and isolation from family or friends. Coercive control laws aim to provide legal protection for victims who are trapped in such manipulative and abusive relationships.
Many have alleged that John Paul Miller may have displayed this behavior towards his deceased wife, Mica Miller, who according to the Robeson County Sheriff and Medical Examiner, that Mica committed suicide. Others that support justice for Mica contend that the medical examiner’s report and the investigation were filled with mistakes, but no other official word from any law enforcement has made such claims.
Precedent in Other States
Several states have recognized the importance of addressing coercive control through legislation:
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Hawaii: In 2020, Hawaii became the first U.S. state to criminalize coercive control, acknowledging the profound impact non-physical abuse can have on victims.
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Connecticut: Enacted in 2021, “Jennifer’s Law” expanded the definition of domestic violence to include coercive control, providing victims with greater legal protections.
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Kentucky: In 2023, a Republican lawmaker introduced a bill aiming to add coercive control to the state’s protective order statutes, reflecting a growing bipartisan acknowledgment of the issue.
These legislative actions demonstrate a growing acknowledgment of the necessity to protect individuals from all forms of domestic abuse, not solely physical violence.
How Can You Help? Write Your South Carolina Legislator
Attorney Regina Ward has set up a super easy way to send this letter to your state official. Just send an email to: MicaslawSC@Gmail.com
Hello and thank you for your interest in helping get Mica’s Law passed in South Carolina.
Below you will find the template letters for Representatives and Senators. YOU CAN ALWAYS MAIL THEM MORE THAN ONCE.
We appreciate your support and interest in Mica’s Law.
Change does not happen overnight. Raise your voice and speak about the issues that matter. Keep pushing for progress, even when it feels challenging. Contact your local representatives and demand accountability!
This is how you can show your support:
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Go to: South Carolina Legislature Online (scstatehouse.gov)
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Go to “FIND LEGISLATORS” at the bottom of your page. Type in your address.
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Click your identified South Carolina State Senator and your identified South Carolina State Representative for their address and contact information.
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Feel free to use the templates below as your letter/message, you can use it as an example or create your own! You will need to fill in the appropriate fields on the template with the date, your respective Legislator’s name and address, and sign each letter.
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An alternative option is to “send a message” to your legislators directly through the SCStateHouse.gov website. You can copy and paste the template below or create your own, be sure to fill out all required fields to submit the message. Send a letter and/or message to BOTH your State Representative and your State Senator.
Senator and Representative Template:
Date: __________________
ATTN: Senator ______________ -OR- Representative ______________
ADDRESS
Re: Coercive Control Bill – Proposed to be Renamed, Mica’s Law
House Bill: H.5271 – Session 123 (February 20, 2020)
House Bill: H.3621 – Session 124 (January 12, 2021)
Senate Bill: S.927 – Session 124 (December 7, 2021)
Dear Senator/Representative _________________,
As a voting resident of _______________ county, I am writing to demand your immediate and vocal support for the Coercive Control Bill, a critical piece of legislation that should be renamed Mica’s Law to honor Mica Miller and the countless victims who have suffered in silence under the grip of coercive control and psychological abuse.
This is not a partisan issue — this is a human rights issue, a public safety crisis, and an opportunity for South Carolina to lead the way in protecting victims before they become another tragic headline. Coercive control is domestic terrorism in our own homes, and right now, South Carolina law fails to recognize it for the serious danger it is.
Your constituents — including me — are watching. I expect you to not only sponsor and actively support this bill but to publicly state your position so we, the people, know exactly where you stand when it comes to protecting victims of domestic abuse. Silence will be seen as complicity in the broken system that allowed Mica Miller’s tragedy to happen.
I urge you to work with your colleagues in both the House and Senate to move this legislation forward immediately. We are not interested in delays, excuses, or political maneuvering — we demand action and accountability.
I will be following up with your office and sharing your response — or lack thereof — with my fellow constituents and local media. This is not just about Mica, this is about every person trapped in a cycle of abuse who believes their voice will never be heard. Now is your chance to prove them wrong.
I will not forget your response — and neither will the voters.
Sincerely,
Signature
Printed name
Address
Phone/Email (optional)
The Role of Attorney General Alan Wilson
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has a pivotal role in championing such legislation. By supporting a coercive control bill, similar to the one proposed in 2021, Attorney General Wilson can:
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Protect Vulnerable Citizens: Implementing this legislation would offer essential safeguards for those most susceptible to domestic abuse, ensuring they have legal recourse against non-physical forms of manipulation and control.
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Empower Law Enforcement: A clear legal framework addressing coercive control would equip law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools to identify, intervene, and prevent such abusive behaviors effectively.
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Enhance Community Safety: Addressing coercive control proactively can prevent the escalation of abuse, thereby reducing the incidence of domestic violence-related tragedies.
Addressing Recent Criticisms
U.S. Representative Nancy Mace recently criticized Attorney General Wilson, alleging a lack of action in prosecuting crimes against women. During a speech on the House floor, Rep. Mace accused her ex-fiancé and three other men of heinous crimes against women and criticized the Attorney General for not prosecuting these individuals despite the evidence presented.
Mace Accuses South Carolina Attorney General of Negligence
Nancy Mace sharply criticized South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson (R), accusing him of deliberate delays in prosecuting the alleged crimes and failing to act on clear-cut evidence that included videos, photos, and witness statements.
Wilson, a potential 2026 gubernatorial candidate alongside Mace, denied the accusations, with his office calling her statements “categorically false.”
“Ms. Mace either does not understand or is purposefully mischaracterizing the role of the Attorney General,” Wilson’s office said in a statement. “At this time, our office has not received any reports or requests for assistance from any law enforcement or prosecution agencies regarding these matters.”
Alan Wilson’s Response to Nancy Mace
The statement also noted that:
- Mace has attended multiple events with Wilson over the past six months but never approached him about these allegations.
- She has Wilson’s personal cell phone number and has not contacted him regarding the accusations.
- The Attorney General does not investigate crimes directly but relies on law enforcement agencies to refer cases for prosecution.
Wilson’s office further emphasized his track record, citing his work in strengthening South Carolina’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, leading human trafficking initiatives, and advocating for domestic violence reforms.
“Attorney General Alan Wilson has built his career on protecting the most vulnerable in our state; any statement otherwise is blatantly false and politically motivated,” the office added.
By advocating for and supporting coercive control legislation, Attorney General Wilson can demonstrate a commitment to protecting women and all victims of domestic abuse, addressing concerns about the state’s dedication to prosecuting such crimes.
Conclusion
The implementation of a coercive control law in South Carolina is a crucial step toward comprehensive domestic violence prevention. Such legislation would not only align the state with others that have recognized the importance of addressing all forms of abuse but also provide law enforcement with the necessary tools to protect the most vulnerable members of our community. Attorney General Alan Wilson’s support for this initiative would signify a steadfast commitment to justice and the well-being of all South Carolinians.
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