Govindi Singh

Her research examines the need for legal reform in the recognition and prosecution of psychological and verbal abuse within domestic violence laws in the United States, with a particular focus on the concept of coercive control. Historically, domestic violence laws have concentrated primarily on physical violence, leaving psychological and emotional abuse inadequately addressed in legal frameworks. The research argues that coercive control, which encompasses psychological manipulation, emotional distress, and verbal abuse, should be explicitly recognized as a distinct form of domestic violence in both state and federal laws. It explores the challenges of legally addressing non-physical forms of abuse, highlights the growing recognition of these issues, and advocates for incorporating trauma-informed approaches into legal proceedings. The aim is to ensure that victims of psychological and verbal abuse are afforded the same protections as those suffering from physical violence, working towards a more just and empathetic legal system for all survivors of domestic violence.

In addition to her research and professional work, Prof. Govindi Singh is deeply committed to her students at CUNY and Yeshiva University. She is passionate about shedding light on the complexities of social issues through the lens of empathy, with the goal of inspiring and nurturing the next generation of leaders. By supporting and guiding her students to cultivate empathy, she encourages them to lead with profound understanding, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to uplifting others.