Coercive control has finally been criminalised

In news that mostly flew under the radar this International Women’s Day, the Queensland Parliament has passed historic legislation that will criminalise coercive control. This feels like a huge step forward in addressing our national shame – domestic violence.

Coercive control is one of the eight pieces of the Power and Control Wheel, shown below.

According to Relationships Australia, coercive control is “a pattern of controlling and manipulative behaviours within a relationship.” There are many signs, including isolating someone from their support systems, denying freedom and autonomy, gaslighting, name calling and sever criticism, and more. This pattern of behaviour is repeated to wear a person down and establish control over them.

Following the murder of Hannah Clarke and her three children by Hannah’s estranged husband in 2020, her parents Sue and Lloyd Clarke played a huge role in advocating for these laws. The family of Allison Baden-Clay, who was murdered by her husband in 2012, also strongly advocated for this legislative change.

So what will these new laws actually do?

The actions of an adult who meets the following criteria will be punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment:

• Individual is in a relationship with another person

• Individual engages in a pattern of behaviour against the other person that involves domestic violence on multiple occasions

• Individual has the intent to coerce or control the other person

• Harm has been done to the other person – including physical, emotional, psychological, or financial, whether permanent or temporary

Domestic violence isn’t just one person physically hitting another, there are many layers to this insidious crime, and these laws aim to tackle a large part of the problem.

Coercive control will become a standalone criminal offence in Queensland in 2025, carrying a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment. We will be the second state, behind New South Wales, to enact this law.

For more information, please visit The Lady Musgrave Trust https://thehandyguide.com.au/articles/what-is-coercive-control

Here is a list of support services available if you need them:

• DV Connect: 1800 811 811

• 1800RESPECT

• Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277

• Mensline: 1800 041 612

• Immigrant Women’s Support Service: 07 3846 3490

• Women’s Legal Service: 1800 957 957

• Legal Aid Qld: 1300 65 11 88