With 29 Australian women killed already this year, it’s clear that much more needs to be done to prevent the scourge of domestic and family violence.
So could the new coercive control laws, in force in Queensland from today, make a difference?
Coercive control refers to a pattern of behaviour, including physical, social, financial, psychological and technology-facilitated abuse, used to control or dominate another person. Previous research from the NSW Domestic Violence Death Review Team found that 97 per cent of intimate partner domestic violence homicides were preceded by the perpetrator using coercive control.
The new criminal offence in Queensland carries a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment and applies to an adult in a domestic relationship who engages in domestic violence conduct more than once, and intends to coerce or control the other person. The legislation was first introduced to Queensland parliament in 2023 by the former Palaszczuk government.
“The coercive control laws commencing today were legislated with bipartisan support and will help us bring perpetrators to account,” Queensland’s Attorney-General, Deb Frecklington said on Monday.
“We are determined to improve the lives of Queensland women and children who, all too frequently and tragically, experience harm at the hands of others.”
Coercive control is what Hannah Clarke endured before she and her three children were killed by her former partner. Her parents have been strong advocates for the reform in Queensland.
Amanda Camm, Queensland’s Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, said the laws would shift the focus to responding to patterns of abusive behaviour over time.
“Coercive control is almost always an underpinning dynamic of domestic and family violence,” Camm said.
“It can include physical and non-physical forms of abuse and creates a climate of fear, humiliation, isolation, that over time, erodes the victim’s sense of identity, freedom and independence.
“Hannah Clarke’s parents Sue and Lloyd were standing beside me only a month ago as I reaffirmed this Government’s commitment to major domestic and family violence reforms so we can protect victims sooner.”
Coercive control laws came into effect in NSW last year.
While the criminalisation of coercive control has been widely supported across the community, there have been some concerns raised about its implementation and unintended consequences, particularly for women at risk of ‘misidentification’.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au.