Observatory / CA
California
Named in DVRO / Family Code · Primary / Carlton brief or statute text · Last reviewed August 31, 2026
What “pattern” means here
Fam. Code § 6320(c) defines coercive control as a pattern of behavior that, in purpose or effect, unreasonably interferes with a person's free will and personal liberty. Examples include isolation, deprivation of necessities, controlling movement, and digital monitoring. Pattern is the statutory unit. Expert reliability in California is Sargon, not generic Daubert.
Statutes
Cal. Fam. Code § 6320(c) (SB 1141, 2020)
Disturbing the peace includes coercive control. Civil DVRO, not a standalone criminal offense.
Cal. Fam. Code § 6320(c) (SB 1141, 2020) names these behaviors. The labels are codes, not statutes.
Expert standard
Sargon (Sargon Enterprises v. University of Southern California).
What Carlton Research can speak to
Carlton Research can speak to pattern analysis (coercive control breadth, depth, escalation, entrapment, and more). Research is built to the evidentiary rules of the jurisdiction that will hear it. Carlton Research does not recommend parenting time or custody. Research establishes whether a pattern of coercive control is present. Inquire about specific testimony requests or speaking engagements.
Civil, not criminal. A DVRO finding is not a custody recommendation, and Carlton Research does not make one.
Carlton, C. (2026). Coercive Control Observatory: California. Carlton Research Instruments. /observatory/us-ca. Last reviewed August 31, 2026.