Coercive control is now a criminal offence in Queensland, with a maximum penalty of up to 14 years in prison for individuals aged 18 and over.
Since 26 May 2025, coercive control has become a standalone offence in Queensland, marking a pivotal shift in addressing domestic abuse. This reform allows authorities to prosecute patterns of manipulative and controlling behaviour.
Prompted by the tragic 2020 deaths of Hannah Clarke and her children, this legislation recognises that domestic violence often extends beyond physical harm, encompassing emotional, psychological, and financial abuse. It reflects a broader national movement to acknowledge and address the multifaceted nature of abuse.
This article discusses specifics of Queensland’s new coercive control laws, their evolution, and essential information for those affected or involved.
Background: The Lead-Up to 2025
2024: Building the Legal Foundations
In 2024, the Queensland Parliament passed the Criminal Law (Coercive Control and Affirmative Consent) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 [the Act] which established this new offence. The reforms were introduced gradually to give courts, police and support services time to prepare.
Here’s how the law rolled out:
This phased approach ensures the system is ready—from training police to preparing prosecutors.
What Is Coercive Control?
Coercive control is about patterns of behaviour—not single incidents. It’s a long-term campaign of intimidation, restriction, and dominance. The goal is to strip a person of autonomy and make them dependent on the perpetrator.
Signs of Coercive Control
Coercive control can take various forms, including:
- Physical Violence: Acts that cause bodily harm.
- Sexual Abuse: Any non-consensual sexual activity, and non-voluntary exposure to pornography
- Emotional and Psychological Abuse: Behaviours that undermine a person’s self-worth, such as constant criticism or humiliation.
- Verbal Abuse: Use of words to intimidate, threaten, or belittle.
- Financial Abuse: Controlling access to finances, restricting spending, or preventing the victim from working.
- Social Isolation: Limiting contact with friends, family, or support networks.
- Technological Abuse: Using technology to monitor, harass, or intimidate, such as tracking devices or surveillance apps.
- Spiritual or Cultural Abuse: Undermining or controlling a person’s religious or cultural practices.
- Stalking: Repeatedly following or harassing someone, leading them to fear for their safety.
- Gaslighting: Denying things happened, twisting facts to confuse and destabilise.
These behaviours wear down a person’s sense of reality, safety, and identity. However, the examples listed represent common patterns. Take note, coercive control can manifest in diverse and sometimes less obvious ways depending on the relationship and circumstances.
What’s Changing in 2025?
Under Queensland’s new laws, coercive control is a criminal offence for individuals aged 18 and over. For conduct to qualify as coercive control under the new law, all four elements must be present:
- A domestic relationship exists, including:
- past or present partners;
- family members; and
- unpaid carers.
- There’s a course of conduct involving domestic violence occurring on more than one occasion
- The behaviour is intentional, aimed at controlling or coercing the victim.
- The conduct is reasonably likely to cause harm to the victim’s physical, emotional, financial, psychological, or mental wellbeing.
New Offences for Helpers
Anyone who assists another person in coercive control—knowingly or unknowingly—can also be charged. This includes:
- Family members
- Friends
- Private investigators
- Hired professionals
If they help a person breach a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) or engage in abusive conduct, they can face 120 penalty units ($19,356 at $161.30/penalty unit) or up to 3 years in prison.
Why This Is a Big Deal
Data from 2021-2022 shows a concerning number of Australians suffer beyond physical abuse:
- 23% of women and 14% of men have experienced emotional abuse from a former or current partner, while
- 16% of women and 7.8% of men have faced economic abuse from a former or current partner.
Traditional laws focused solely on physical violence were failing too many. These statistics highlight the need for laws in Queensland that address all forms of abuse.
The Act:
- Recognises abuse patterns, not just isolated events.
- Provides earlier intervention, before violence escalates.
- Creates stronger deterrents, with serious penalties for control-based abuse.
- Provides victim-survivors with formal recognition of their experiences and stronger legal avenues to seek justice.
Old vs. New: A Quick Comparison
| Area | Before 2025 | From 26 May 2025 |
| Legal Status | Not a specific offence | Criminal offence with 14-year max penalty |
| How Abuse Was Seen | Incident-based | Pattern-based |
| Protection Tools | Civil DVOs | Criminal charges + DVOs |
| Third-Party Accountability | Rarely addressed | Now an offence |
| Required Evidence | Often physical harm | Includes patterns, emotional harm, indirect evidence |
Evidence in Coercive Control Cases
These cases are complex. Coercive control is often subtle and hidden. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be proven.
Courts will rely on:
- Text messages, emails or social media posts showing threats, tracking or manipulation.
- Testimony from friends or family who noticed changes in the victim.
- Records from support services, medical professionals, or police.
- Victim’s account detailing the psychological impact.
- Expert reports from psychologists or social workers.
Because coercive control is about patterns, the context matters. Even “small” incidents, when repeated, add up to serious harm.
The Legacy of Hannah Clarke
This legislation exists because of one tragedy too many.
In February 2020, Hannah Clarke and her three children were killed by her ex-partner. He had a long history of controlling, isolating, and manipulating her—yet no law at the time could stop him.
Hannah’s story sparked national outrage. It exposed the fatal consequences of ignoring coercive behaviour. But the new laws aim to quickly address controlling behaviours and prevent escalation into serious abuse.
Queensland in a National Context
Queensland is now the second state in Australia to criminalise coercive control, following New South Wales in 2024. Other states and territories are watching closely and planning their own reforms.
This shift shows a broader legal and cultural change:
- Abuse isn’t just bruises.
- Control is a form of violence.
- Laws must evolve to protect real people in real relationships.
Impact of the New Coercive Control Laws
For Victim-Survivors
These laws give people experiencing abuse stronger protection and clearer legal pathways. Victim-survivors can:
- Seek criminal justice, not just civil protection.
- Get help from police trained to recognise coercive control.
- Rely on support services that now understand these behaviours better.
- Feel heard and validated—your story matters under this law.
For Individuals Accused of Coercive Control
Being accused of coercive control is serious. It carries a prison sentence and can affect family law matters like parenting orders or child custody.
If you’re facing allegations, you need immediate legal advice. There may be defences or alternative ways to resolve the situation—but time is critical.
What Comes Next?
Laws are just one piece of the puzzle. Effectively addressing coercive control requires a multifaceted approach, including:
- Police education: So officers understand what coercive control looks like.
- Community awareness: So people can identify red flags in their own relationships.
- Court training: So judges are equipped to handle complex, pattern-based cases.
- School programs: Teaching respectful relationships from a young age.
- Therapeutic services: For victim-survivors and for those who use violence to change behaviour.
Conclusion
Queensland’s coercive control laws are a monumental shift in how domestic abuse is tackled. By focusing on the pattern of behaviour, not just physical violence, these reforms close a dangerous legal gap. They offer new hope to those trapped in controlling relationships—and new consequences for those who perpetuate them.
We Can Help Protect You from Coercive Control
At PD Law, we understand that coercive control cases are sensitive, complex, and deeply personal. We offer:
- Comprehensive Legal Guidance: We provide clear advice on your rights and obligations under the new laws, ensuring you understand every step of the legal process.
- Evidence Collection Support: Our team assists in gathering and presenting the necessary evidence to support your case effectively.
- Protection and Advocacy: Whether you’re seeking a protection order or need representation in court, we advocate for your safety and interests.
- Confidential Consultations: We offer private consultations to discuss your situation, ensuring your concerns are heard and addressed with the utmost confidentiality.
Your safety and well-being are our utmost priorities. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Bowen Lawyers or Cannonvale Lawyers for a confidential consultation.
