On Monday, May 26th, 2025, Queensland will introduce landmark legislation criminalising coercive control, a form of domestic and family violence that has long been hidden in plain sight. Queensland passed the Criminal Law (Coercive Control and Affirmative Consent) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024, colloquially known as Hannah’s Law, on March 6th, 2024, to address ongoing violence in intimate partner relationships, and the many subtle forms it can take.
This reform is named in memory of Hannah Clarke, a Brisbane mother who, along with her three children, tragically lost her life in a domestic violence incident in 2020. Hannah’s parents, Sue and Lloyd Clarke, have been instrumental in advocating for this change, aiming to prevent others from experiencing similar tragedies.
It has been touted as historic legislation, but for many who have lived through this type of abuse, or worked in related fields, it’s clear that there is still a long way to go. Whilst legal recognition of the detrimental effect of coercive behaviours is a significant milestone that aims to counter domestic and family violence, cultural shifts and widespread change will be imperative to fully address the depth of these issues.
Queensland is the second state in Australia to make coercive control a standalone offence, after New South Wales enacted the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Coercive Control) Act 2022, which commenced on 1 July 2024. Queensland’s coercive control laws are aimed at preventing domestic violence from occurring, by recognising that control– even in the absence of sexual, physical or other ‘obvious’ abuse or violence- is a central defining factor in domestic violence.
What Is Coercive Control?
Coercive control refers to a pattern of behaviours used to dominate, isolate, and intimidate a partner or family member. These behaviours can include:
- Emotional and psychological abuse
- Economic control, such as restricting access to finances
- Isolation from friends, family, and support networks
- Monitoring or controlling daily activities, including where someone goes or who they communicate with
- Threats of harm to the individual or their loved ones
- Sexual coercion or manipulation
- Cyberstalking
These tactics are often subtle and escalate over time, making it challenging for victims to recognise or escape the situation. In many instances of serious domestic violence and domestic violence murders, coercive control has been recorded or reported, well before incidents escalate.
Queensland’s New Criminal Law – Coercive Control
From 26 May 2025, coercive control will be a criminal offence in Queensland. Adults who engage in a course of conduct intended to control or coerce their current or former intimate partner, family member, or informal carer can face serious penalties. A coercive control offence now carries consequences of up to 14 years imprisonment.
The legislation amends the Criminal Code, the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012, and other related laws to include coercive control as a standalone offence. This marks a significant shift from previous approaches, which primarily focused on physical violence, to recognising the broader spectrum of abusive behaviours that constitute coercive control.
This coercive control and affirmative consent legislation amends several key statutes, including:
- The Criminal Code
- The Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012
- The Evidence Act 1977
- The Bail Act 1980
The reforms aim to recognise the early signs of domestic violence, prevent further domestic violence occurring and also address the serious nature of coercive control.
Queensland’s new legislation will:
- Recognise coercive control as a standalone offence
- Enhance victim protections
- Improve the legal response to domestic and family violence
- Establish perpetrator diversion programs
Who Is Affected By Queensland’s New Laws?
The new laws apply to any relationship that involves domestic violence, and also aim to raise awareness on the reality of coercive control, as well as educate people about how they can report coercive control.
The laws will affect:
- Intimate partners
- De facto partners, including same-sex couples
- Family members
- Individuals in domestic relationships
Coercive control can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age or background. Victims often experience a combination of physical and non-physical abuse, leading to long-term trauma.
Recognising Coercive Control & Abusive Behaviours
Victims of coercive control may experience a range of behaviours that cause harm, often on an emotional, mental or psychological level. Physical or sexual violence may or may not be present at the same time.
Victim survivors may experience:
- Constant criticism or belittling
- Threats to harm themselves or others
- Monitoring of communications and movements
- Isolation from support networks
- Financial dependence or control
- Fear of the other party’s reactions
If you or someone you know is experiencing these signs, it’s essential to seek help.
The Role of Law Enforcement In Preventing Domestic and Family Violence
The Queensland Police Service will play a crucial role in responding to coercive control. Officers will receive enhanced training to identify and respond to coercive control behaviours effectively. They will have the authority to issue domestic violence protection orders and police protection notices to safeguard victims.
The new laws also provide for increased support and resources for victims, including access to counselling and financial assistance. The Queensland government is working to raise community awareness of coercive control and the importance of seeking help if you or someone you know is experiencing it.
Victims of coercive control are encouraged to report their experiences to the police and seek support from these services. The new laws aim to provide greater protection for victims and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
How Prevalent Is Coercive Control?
Coercive control is a significant and often hidden form of domestic and family violence in Australia, in which a person causes the other person harm through a variety of behaviours. While physical abuse is more visible, coercive control encompasses a range of manipulative behaviours that can be equally, if not more, damaging. Recent statistics shed light on the prevalence and impact of this form of abuse.
- Emotional Abuse: According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), an estimated 2.2 million adult women (23%) and 1.4 million adult men (16%) have experienced emotional abuse by a partner at some point since the age of 15.
- Coercive Control Among Women: A survey by the Australian Institute of Criminology found that one in ten Australian women reported experiencing coercive control in the last three months.
How Do Coercive Control and Affirmative Consent Intersect?
In Queensland, coercive control and affirmative consent both address power and autonomy in relationships. Coercive control involves patterns of behaviour used to dominate or isolate a partner, while affirmative consent requires explicit, voluntary agreement to sexual activity.
Both concepts recognise that true consent cannot exist where fear, manipulation or pressure are present. New laws and reforms in QLD reflect a growing understanding that healthy relationships must be based on mutual respect, safety and freely given consent.
Effects of Coercive Control On Victim-Survivors
Coercive control is akin to an invisible illness in many ways, leaving victims incredibly affected on many levels, yet at times imperceptible. People experiencing coercive control often live in fear, managing ongoing trauma as well as safety issues.
The new legal approach to combating coercive control will likely assist in further support and recognition for victim-survivors, but a large amount of holistic support is required to address all the circumstances surrounding coercive control.
Some of the most common effects of coercive control include:
- Mental & Emotional Challenges: Victims often experience anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to ongoing manipulation and abuse.
- Physical Health: While not always involving physical violence, the stress and trauma from coercive control can lead to various health issues.
- Economic Impacts: Financial control and economic abuse are common coercive tactics, leaving victims financially dependent and vulnerable.
- Social Isolation: Perpetrators often isolate victims from friends, family, and support networks, increasing dependence and control, and may also engage in unlawful stalking or GPS tracking of the victim and those known to them
- Difficulty Trusting & Forming Healthy Relationships: For many who have experienced domestic violence and control, even after they leave, or find safety, they may have ongoing trust issues.
Support & Resources for Victims
If you or someone you know is experiencing coercive control or family violence, there are support services available. Please contact 000 if you are in immediate danger.
- DV Connect: A 24/7 helpline offering crisis support and referrals.
- 1800RESPECT: A national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service.
- BlueKnot Trauma Support: For ongoing, complex trauma support
- Legal Practitioners & Legal Aid Queensland: Provides legal advice and representation for victims of domestic and family violence.
Get In Touch With Our Domestic Violence Lawyers If You Need Support
Queensland’s introduction of Hannah’s Law marks a significant step forward in addressing coercive control within domestic and family violence. By criminalising this behaviour, the state acknowledges the profound impact of non-physical abuse and aims to provide greater protection for victims.
If you or someone you know is affected, it’s crucial to seek support and understand that legal avenues are now available to address these harmful behaviours, including seeking a domestic violence order. If you are experiencing coercive control and need legal support to manage it, please get in touch with our specialist domestic violence lawyers.
You can read the full Coercive Control laws here, as well as the new affirmative consent laws here.
