Connecticut lawmakers gave the final approval Friday night to Jennifers' Law to change the definition of domestic violence.
The measure expands the definition to include emotional torture and not just physical abuse.
The law was inspired in part by Jennifer Dulos, the mother from New Canaan who remains missing and whose case has gained national attention.
"Victims are demeaned and violated inside their homes, then
discredited and rejected when they appeal for help. Their power is taken from
them, but this groundbreaking legislation gives it back. It ensures every
person’s autonomy – the ability leave an abusive situation and regain control
of their own lives. We are all Jennifer. Whether we are
male or female, black or white, gay or straight, rich or poor, urban or
suburban, we are all susceptible to the abuse of power that can come at the
hands of the people we trust the most – our own family members. This
legislation declares that abuse of power inside a family or household is
unacceptable. And all forms of abuse – physical, sexual, emotional, financial,
legal and psychological – will now be recognized," says state Sen. Alex Kassar.