Iowa’s domestic abuse law has not changed since 1979

Gina Battani, a registered nurse, navy veteran, member of the Board of Directors for L.U.N.A, and domestic abuse survivor, has started a petition for Iowa to update its current definition of domestic abuse. Iowa’s domestic abuse law, Chapter 236 of the Iowa Code, has not changed since 1979. In 2020, Iowa House Bill H.F. 740 was filed to include coercive control in Iowa’s definition of domestic abuse. Coercive control is a form of psychological abuse used to manipulate and create a sense of fear within the victim. A total of 75 signatures are needed to urge lawmakers in Iowa to consider updating its definition. View the petition here for more information.