Evan Stark

Evan David Stark (March 10, 1942 – March 18, 2024) was an American sociologist. He developed the concept of "coercive control", a type of abuse likened to kidnapping or slavery when compared to more commonly occurring abuse.

Background Stark was born in Manhattan on March 10, 1942, and grew up variously in New York City, in the boroughs of Queens and The Bronx; and in Yonkers, New York. He taught at Rutgers University from 1985 to 2012, and also lectured at several universities in the United Kingdom, including the University of Bristol, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Essex.

Personal life and death Stark was married twice. His first marriage, to Sally Connolly, ended in divorce; they had one son. He and Flitcraft had three sons.

On March 18, 2024, Stark had a fatal heart attack while participating in a professional Zoom meeting at his home in Woodbridge, Connecticut. He was 82.

Books