Breaking the cycle: What the new coercive control law means for families

Healthy family relationships are built on respect, trust, and open communication. They provide a foundation of support and safety that helps everyone thrive, especially as families navigate life’s challenges together. 

Unfortunately, not all relationships are healthy, and for many Australians, domestic and family violence remains a hidden and devastating reality that affects individuals and communities alike.

In a landmark move to address this serious issue, one Australian state has introduced new laws criminalising coercive control—a form of ongoing psychological abuse that often goes unnoticed but can have profound impacts on victims’ lives.

Coercive control isn’t just a single act of violence or abuse. It’s a pattern of behaviour—often subtle, sometimes insidious—designed to dominate, isolate, and frighten another person. 

It can be physical, but more often it’s psychological, emotional, or financial. Think of it as a slow tightening of the reins: controlling who someone sees, what they spend, what they wear, or even how they think about themselves.

Examples include:

• Constantly monitoring someone’s movements or communications
• Isolating them from friends and family
• Controlling access to money or resources
• Threatening, humiliating, or intimidating behaviour
• Sexual coercion or cyberstalking

The aim is to erode a person’s independence and sense of self, making it harder for them to leave or seek help.

For years, advocates and survivors have argued that the law didn’t go far enough to protect people from non-physical forms of abuse. 

While physical violence is easier to spot and prosecute, coercive control often flies under the radar, leaving victims feeling trapped, confused, and unsupported.

Now, Queensland’s new laws have changed. From 26 May 2025, it will be a criminal offence for an adult to use abusive behaviours to control or coerce a current or former intimate partner, family member, or informal carer. 

Convicted offenders could face up to 14 years in prison—a clear message that this behaviour is unacceptable and criminal.

Nadia Bromley, chief executive officer of Women’s Legal Service Queensland, said this is a long-overdue recognition of the seriousness of coercive control. 

‘For a long time, we’ve known that coercive control underpins a lot of domestic family violence,’ she explained. 

‘This change is about recognising that coercive control is a very serious form of domestic violence.’

This legal milestone didn’t happen overnight. It results from tireless campaigning by advocates, survivors, and families who have experienced unimaginable loss. 

The tragic case of Hannah Clarke and her three children, killed by her former partner in 2020, was a catalyst for change. 

Clarke’s parents, Sue and Lloyd Clarke, have since dedicated themselves to raising awareness and pushing for reform through their foundation, Small Steps 4 Hannah.

The Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce, established in 2021, reviewed the need for a specific domestic violence offence and made a series of recommendations. 

The Queensland government listened, and in 2024, the landmark reforms were passed.

For the Clarkes, the new laws are ‘bittersweet’—a hard-won victory that comes at a terrible personal cost. 

‘There were so many sacrifices made along the way, not just ours,’ Lloyd Clarke said. 

‘We weren’t alone in this fight. Governments have acted, police have listened, and more resources are on the way. Now, it’s up to all of us—everyday Australians.’

Could you be affected?

One of the most important things to understand is that coercive control isn’t always obvious, even to those experiencing it. 

As Sue Clarke pointed out, her daughter Hannah didn’t realise she was in an abusive relationship, because there was no physical violence. 

‘If knowing about coercive control could save someone’s life, we’d be willing to share our story a thousand times over,’ she said.

This is why education and awareness are crucial. The new laws are not just about punishment—they’re about helping people recognise the signs of abuse, seek help, and hold perpetrators accountable.

If you or someone you know is experiencing controlling or abusive behaviour, help is available. For confidential support, call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), text 0458 737 732, or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, always call 000.

For men seeking help, the Men’s Referral Service (No to Violence) is available on 1300 766 491. 

Crisis support is also available through Lifeline (13 11 14), the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467), and the Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800). 

For those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, Embrace Multicultural Mental Health offers tailored support.

What does this mean for the future?

Criminalising coercive control is a huge step forward, but it’s not the end of the journey. 

As Shannon Fentiman, former attorney general, said, ‘We can’t prevent what we can’t recognise. That’s why criminalising coercive control is such an important step in tackling domestic and family violence.’

Have you or someone you know experienced coercive control? Do you think these new laws will make a difference? What more can be done to support victims and prevent abuse? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences—share your comments below.

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