What Is Coercive Control? Queensland’s Coercive Control Laws
Recognising Patterns of Abuse and Knowing Your Legal Options
Coercive control is a pattern of abusive behaviour used to control, dominate or frighten another person. It may involve physical violence, but it can also occur through emotional abuse, financial control, isolation, surveillance, threats and other behaviours that gradually limit a person’s independence.
Unlike a single incident, coercive control is often made up of repeated controlling behaviours that build over time. Individual actions may appear minor when considered separately. Viewed together, however, they can reveal an ongoing pattern that affects a person’s freedom, safety and wellbeing.
Understanding Coercive Control Legislation QLD
From 26 May 2025, coercive control became a criminal offence in Queensland. The law recognises the serious harm that can arise when someone repeatedly uses domestic violence with the intention of controlling or coercing another person.
If you believe you may be experiencing coercive control, you are not alone. Support and legal options are available.
If you are in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
What Is Coercive Control?
Coercive control occurs when someone uses a pattern of abusive behaviour to hurt, humiliate, isolate, frighten or threaten another person in order to control or dominate them.
The behaviour can be subtle, particularly when it begins. It may be disguised as concern, affection or an attempt to “protect” the other person. Over time, the person experiencing the behaviour may lose confidence, independence and the freedom to make everyday decisions.
Coercive control is domestic abuse and can affect anyone, regardless of their age, gender, sexuality, cultural background, ability or location. It may occur between current or former intimate partners, family members or people in informal care relationships.
What Are Some Examples of Coercive Control?
Coercive control can look different in every relationship. It may involve one form of abuse or several behaviours used together.
Common examples or signs of coercive control may include:
isolating someone from friends, family, community or cultural connections
constantly criticising, humiliating or belittling them
monitoring their phone, messages, emails, internet activity or location
controlling where they go, what they wear or who they speak to
setting rigid rules about everyday activities
financial threats and financial abuse such as controlling finances, hiding financial resources or limiting access to money, including having bank accounts or credit cards rigorously monitoring
preventing someone from working or keeping their income
withholding food, medication or other basic needs
threatening the person, their children, relatives or pets
using immigration status, religious beliefs or cultural expectations as a means of control
stopping someone from following their religion or cultural practices
pressuring someone into sexual activity, sexual violence or sexual abuse
damaging property or belongings
manipulating parenting arrangements, child support or communication following de facto separation or divorce
repeatedly commencing or misusing legal processes to intimidate or maintain control.
Not every disagreement, difficult interaction or unhealthy relationship will constitute coercive control. The surrounding circumstances, the pattern of behaviour, the person’s intention and the likely harm caused are all important to understanding coercive control.
Is Coercive Control a Criminal Offence in Queensland?
Yes. Coercive control has been a standalone criminal offence in Queensland since 26 May 2025.
Under section 334C of the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld), the offence may apply when:
an adult is in a domestic relationship with another person
the adult engages in a course of conduct against that person
the conduct consists of domestic violence occurring on more than one occasion
the adult intends to coerce or control the other person
the conduct would, in all the circumstances, be reasonably likely to cause the other person harm.
For the purpose of the offence, harm can include a detrimental effect on a person’s physical, emotional, financial, psychological or mental wellbeing. The effect may be temporary or permanent.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment. It applies to abusive conduct occurring from 26 May 2025 onwards. Conduct before that date may still be relevant to other legal processes and forms of protection, even though the standalone offence does not operate retrospectively.
Why Queensland Introduced Coercive Control Laws
The introduction of the offence followed years of advocacy, consultation and examination of Queensland’s response to domestic and family violence.
The deaths of Hannah Clarke and her three children, Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey, brought widespread attention to the devastating consequences of coercive control and the difficulty of recognising risk when abuse is not limited to physical violence.
Hannah Clarke’s Story
On 19 February 2020, Hannah was driving her children to school when her estranged husband, Rowan Baxter, forced his way into their vehicle. He poured petrol inside the car and set it alight.
Hannah’s three children died at the scene. Hannah later died in hospital. Baxter died at the scene from self-inflicted injuries.
The tragedy prompted important public discussion about the patterns of manipulation, intimidation and control that can exist before domestic and family violence escalates.
The Coronial Inquest
A coronial inquest into the deaths was held in 2022. Deputy State Coroner Jane Bentley examined Baxter’s behaviour and the interactions Hannah had with police, legal processes, health professionals and support services before her death.
The findings described Baxter as manipulative and controlling. His efforts to seek counselling were found to have been directed towards contesting the domestic violence order and advancing his position in family law proceedings, rather than genuinely addressing his behaviour.
The inquest highlighted how coercive control may be misunderstood or underestimated when a person has no significant criminal history or apparent pattern of physical violence.
Recommendations arising from the inquest included:
five days of face-to-face training for specialist domestic and family violence police officers
a mandatory face-to-face domestic and family violence training module for Queensland police officers
trials of more integrated and specialised policing responses
increased funding for men’s behaviour change programs in prisons and the wider community.
These findings reinforced the need to look beyond isolated incidents and consider the broader pattern of behaviour within a relationship.
Can You Apply for a Domestic Violence Order?
The criminal offence is not the only legal response available to someone experiencing coercive control.
Under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld), a person experiencing domestic violence may be able to apply for a domestic violence order, commonly called a DVO or protection order.
A DVO is intended to protect a person from further domestic violence. Depending on the circumstances, the order may include conditions requiring the respondent to:
be of good behaviour and not commit domestic violence
have no contact with the protected person
stay away from particular locations
leave a shared residence
avoid approaching or contacting children or other named people.
Police may also apply for a protection order or take other action where they identify domestic and family violence.
An application for a DVO is separate from a criminal prosecution for coercive control. A protection order may therefore still be available even if no one has been charged with or convicted of the criminal offence.
What Evidence May Show a Pattern of Coercive Control?
Because coercive control involves a course of conduct, it can be important to explain how separate incidents connect and form a broader pattern.
Relevant evidence may include:
text messages, emails or social media communications
call logs and voicemail messages
financial records
photographs of injuries or damaged property
medical or counselling records
police reports
diary entries or a dated record of incidents
evidence of online monitoring or location tracking
statements from friends, family members or other witnesses
previous domestic violence orders or reported incidents
communications about parenting arrangements or financial support.
You should only collect or store evidence when it is safe to do so. If you believe your devices or accounts are being monitored, consider speaking with a domestic violence support service about safer ways to seek assistance.
What Happens If the Other Person Files a Cross-Application?
In some domestic violence proceedings, both parties apply for protection orders against each other. This is known as a cross-application.
A person using coercive control may attempt to minimise their conduct, portray themselves as the victim or use court proceedings to continue exerting pressure. However, the existence of a cross-application does not automatically mean both parties are equally responsible for the violence.
The court must consider the circumstances of each application and identify the person most in need of protection. Evidence showing the history, context and overall pattern of behaviour can be particularly important.
A family and domestic violence lawyer from Omnia Legal can assist you in preparing evidence, responding to allegations and explaining the broader context to the court.
What If the Behaviour Occurred Before 26 May 2025?
The standalone criminal offence applies to conduct occurring from 26 May 2025. This does not mean that earlier abuse is unimportant or that no assistance is available.
Depending on the circumstances, earlier conduct may still:
constitute domestic violence under Queensland law
support an application for a DVO
be relevant to existing protection-order proceedings
amount to another criminal offence
be considered in parenting or other family law proceedings
provide context for conduct occurring after 26 May 2025.
Legal advice can help you understand which options may be available in your particular circumstances.
Addressing Coercive Control: Finding Support
You do not need to wait for the behaviour to escalate or become physical before reaching out.
If you feel safe doing so, you may wish to speak with someone you trust or contact a confidential domestic violence service. They can listen without judgement and assist with safety planning, counselling, emergency accommodation or referrals to other services.
In an emergency or life-threatening situation, call Triple Zero (000).
Other free support services include:
DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811, 24 hours a day
DVConnect Mensline: 1800 600 636
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732, 24 hours a day
Queensland Police: 131 444 for non-urgent police assistance.
Leaving or preparing to leave a controlling relationship can sometimes increase the risk of the behaviour escalating. If you are considering making changes, a domestic violence service can work with you to develop a safety plan that reflects your circumstances and choices.
How Can You Support People Experiencing Coercive Control in QLD?
If you think you may be experiencing coercive control, or you think someone you know is experiencing coercive control, you do not need to wait until the behaviour becomes physical before reaching out. Support is available when you feel ready, and you can begin by speaking with someone you trust or contacting a confidential domestic violence service.
To support someone who is experiencing coercive control, you can:
gently explain what you have noticed
listen without judgement
take their concerns seriously
reassure them that abuse is not their fault
respect their decisions and avoid pressuring them
offer practical assistance when it is safe
encourage them to contact an appropriate support service.
A person experiencing coercive control may not be ready or able to leave immediately. Continuing to offer calm, non-judgemental support can be valuable.
Speak With a Family and Domestic Violence Lawyer
Coercive control can be difficult to recognise and even harder to explain when individual behaviours appear minor in isolation. Legal advice can assist you in understanding how coercive control laws in QLD may apply to your circumstances.
Omnia Legal can advise you about domestic violence orders, cross-applications and related family law issues. We can also discuss the evidence that may be relevant and the legal steps available to protect you and your family.
Contact us to book a complimentary, obligation-free phone consultation to discuss your circumstances and possible next steps.
Call: (07) 5415 0248
Email: info@omnialegal.com.au
Your safety and wellbeing matter.
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