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What is Coercive Control? The Queensland Guide

What is Coercive Control? The Queensland Guide

Coercive control is a form of abuse that can take over someone’s life without leaving a visible mark. It involves a persistent pattern of controlling behaviours designed to dominate a partner’s thoughts, actions, and choices, often leaving the victim feeling powerless and isolated.

For individuals and families across Queensland, recognising what coercive control looks like is increasingly important—especially as the state reforms domestic violence laws to address non-physical abuse. Family lawyers play a vital role in supporting victims, helping them understand their rights and take steps to protect themselves and their children.

Please note: This is general information only and not legal advice — please contact VM Family Law for accurate, tailored advice. Our full contact details can be found here: dev.vmfamilylaw.com.au/contact

What Is Coercive Control?

In Queensland, coercive control refers to repeated behaviours aimed at dominating, isolating, and frightening a partner or family member. These behaviours may not involve physical violence but can be destructive and cumulative.

Under the (Qld), domestic violence is defined to include a pattern of abusive, threatening or coercive behaviour over time. The Queensland Government explains that coercive control is regarded as domestic violence.

Significantly, Queensland has passed new laws to criminalise coercive control as a standalone offence, which will commence on 26 May 2025 under the Criminal Code (Coercive Control and Affirmative Consent) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024. These reforms formally recognise that patterns of controlling or dominating behaviour in a domestic relationship can constitute a criminal offence and attract serious penalties.

How It Differs from Physical Abuse

While physical abuse is characterised by visible harm such as injury, coercive control operates more indirectly. It typically involves invisible but persistent actions that strip away autonomy, self-esteem and freedom.

Because the impact is subtle, recognising coercive control can be more difficult. However, the law recognises this pattern as part of the broader domestic violence framework and intends to respond accordingly.

Signs of Coercive Control

Coercive control often begins incrementally and may escalate over time. Some common warning signs include:

  • Monitoring your phone, emails or social media without consent.

  • Controlling your social contacts or cutting you off from family or friends.

  • Making all financial decisions or preventing you from working.

  • Repetitive belittling, blaming, humiliating you in private or public.

  • Threatening harm to yourself, your children, pets, or loved ones if you leave.

  • Using jealousy or possessiveness to justify control.

  • Limiting your access to education, healthcare, or legal help.

Though these behaviours may not leave physical scars, their cumulative effect can cause deep emotional damage.

Impact on Children and Parenting

Even when children are not the direct target, coercive control shapes the household environment and can affect their development. Potential impacts include:

  • Emotional or behavioural difficulties arising from exposure to persistent fear or instability.

  • Normalising unhealthy relationship patterns for children who witness such behaviour.

  • A parent’s capacity to provide safe and nurturing care may be compromised by the controlling partner’s interference.

  • Children may be used as tools by the abusive partner to manipulate the other parent or limit their access.

Because the law prioritises the best interests of the child, persistent controlling behaviour can affect parenting arrangements and court decisions.

How to Respond Legally in Queensland

Gathering Evidence

Even though coercive control often involves non-physical acts, building a record of behaviour is important. You can:

  • Keep a diary or journal of incidents, dates and any witnesses.

  • Save digital records: texts, emails, call logs, social media messages.

  • Collect financial records showing restricted access to funds.

  • Seek statements from family, friends or professionals who observed the behaviour.

  • Obtain medical or psychological reports documenting harm or distress.

Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs)

Under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 you can apply for a protection order. Courts recognise that a pattern of coercive behaviour may constitute domestic violence. If granted, a DVO imposes legally binding conditions; contravening those conditions becomes a criminal offence.

Criminal Offence

From 26 May 2025, coercive control is a standalone offence in Queensland under the amendment bill. It requires proof of a “course of conduct” in a domestic relationship, intended to coerce or control, and reasonably likely to cause harm (emotional, psychological, financial, or physical).

Family Law Settings

In family law and parenting matters, courts will consider the presence of coercive control when assessing parenting capacity or risk to the child. Demonstrating a pattern of controlling behaviour can influence parenting orders.

How Legal Advice Can Help You

Dealing with coercive control is challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. A specialist family lawyer can:

  • Explain your rights and help you understand legal frameworks for protection.

  • Assist in gathering evidence and preparing applications for DVOs or parenting orders.

  • Advocate for you in court, ensuring your safety and the best interests of your children are central.

  • Coordinate with support services and crisis assistance to build a safety plan around legal action.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is coercive control in Australian law?

Coercive control refers to a pattern of controlling, manipulative or intimidating behaviour that aims to dominate a partner or family member. It can include emotional abuse, isolation, surveillance, threats, and controlling finances or movement. Some Australian states, including Queensland, are introducing laws to criminalise coercive control.

Is coercive control a criminal offence in Queensland?

Yes. As of 2023, Queensland passed legislation to criminalise coercive control, with laws expected to take effect in 2025. Until then, aspects of coercive control may already be considered under existing laws, such as domestic violence protections or stalking laws.

What are examples of coercive control?

Examples of coercive control include:

  • Constant monitoring of your location or communication

  • Isolating you from friends or family

  • Controlling access to money or essentials

  • Threats, intimidation, or degrading language

  • Making you feel unsafe or afraid to make decisions

How is coercive control different from physical abuse?

Unlike physical abuse, coercive control is often non-violent, involving emotional, psychological, and behavioural manipulation. It’s about power and control over another person’s life and freedom, and can be just as harmful as physical violence.

How can I prove coercive control?

Evidence of coercive control may include:

  • Text messages, emails, or call logs

  • Financial records showing control or deprivation

  • Witness statements

  • Journal entries or timelines

  • Police or medical reports documenting incidents or fear

Can I get a Domestic Violence Order for coercive control?

Yes. In Queensland, if coercive control occurs in a domestic or family relationship, you can apply for a Domestic Violence Order (DVO). The order can restrict contact and set conditions to protect you from further abuse.

Where can I get help if I’m experiencing coercive control?

If you’re in immediate danger, call 000. For legal support, contact VM Family Law on 07 3447 8966. You can also reach out to DVConnect, 1800RESPECT, or your local legal aid service for help with protection orders and support planning.

 

Final Thoughts

If you are experiencing coercive control, legal support can be a powerful first step toward safety and clarity.

At VM Family Law, we offer compassionate and confidential legal advice tailored to your circumstances. Our experienced team can help you understand your rights, apply for protection orders, and navigate family law matters where coercive control or domestic violence is involved. We also support clients through family dispute resolution, parenting arrangements, and child support—offering a full range of family law mediation services to help you move forward with strength and stability.

You don’t have to face this alone. Let us stand beside you.

Call VM Family Law on 07 3447 8966 or visit dev.vmfamilylaw.com.au/ for trusted, compassionate legal guidance in Queensland.

Official Information Sources