In the aftermath of the untimely death of Mica Miller, the wife of prominent South Carolina pastor John-Paul Miller, the family’s attorney has stepped forward to urge action on behalf of victims of coercive control and intimate partner violence. Miller, aged 30, was discovered deceased on April 27 at Lumber River State Park in Robeson County, North Carolina, amidst ongoing divorce proceedings with her estranged husband.
During a press conference held on Wednesday, the attorney representing Miller’s family provided updates on her estate and introduced “Mica’s Law,” also known as the Coercive Control Law. The law aims to address patterns of behavior utilized to manipulate, dominate, and intimidate individuals within intimate relationships. Despite its importance, the Coercive Control Bill has remained stagnant in the state legislature’s Judiciary Committee since 2020.
Expressing frustration with the lack of progress, the attorney emphasized the urgency of advancing the bill, highlighting its potential to offer crucial protection to vulnerable individuals. Describing the bill’s contents, she outlined various forms of coercive control, including threats, emotional abuse, and isolation, all aimed at inflicting harm and instilling fear in victims.
To underscore the severity of Miller’s situation, the attorney presented “Mica’s List,” a compilation of allegations drawn from Miller’s own accounts, journals, and other writings. These details serve to illustrate the pervasive nature of coercive control and the dire consequences it can yield.
Despite the troubling circumstances surrounding Miller’s death, it’s important to note that her husband has not been charged or arrested in connection with the case. However, the attorney’s call for legislative action underscores the broader imperative to address and prevent instances of coercive control within intimate relationships.