It's in our control to end coercive control

Posted on 8 May 2023

Scott Cobbett

It's in our control to end COERCIVE control

Every year in May, Queensland recognises Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, which aims to raise community awareness of domestic and family violence and coercive control, and the services available to support individuals experiencing family violence.

The 2023 theme is ‘It’s in our control to end coercive control’.

What is coercive control?

Coercive behaviour is a form of domestic and family violence. Under the Domestic and Family Violence Act 2012 (Qld) (the Act) coerce means to compel or force a person to do, or refrain from doing, something.

Recognising the behaviour

Recognising the behaviour is the first step toward getting the necessary help and support. While many forms of domestic and family violence are overt and obvious, some forms of coercive control are more subtle and difficult to identify. Some examples include:

1. Monitoring your activity e.g., checking your phone.
2. Gaslighting i.e., making you doubt your experience or sanity.
3. Restricting your access to money.
4. Forcing you to do all domestic duties e.g., cleaning, cooking.
5. Making comments to or about you that belittle you.

Other forms of domestic violence include:

1. physical or sexual abuse,
2. emotional or psychological abuse,
3. economic (financial) abuse, or
4. behaviour that is threatening.

For the behaviour to be considered domestic and family violence, you must be in a relevant relationship with the person perpetrating the violence. This includes an intimate personal relationship (e.g., spouse, de facto partner, girlfriend, boyfriend, fiancé), a family relationship (e.g., connected by blood or marriage), or an informal care relationship (e.g., in-home carer).

For more information about domestic violence click here.

Support services available

• If it is an emergency, dial Triple Zero (000) for police, fire and ambulance
• If there is no emergency, you can call Policelink on 13 14 44
• DVConnect (visit www.dvconnect.org or call Womensline 1800 811 811 or Mensline 1800 600 636)
• Brokerage and emergency crisis payment arrangements
• Pets in crisis
• Paid and unpaid domestic and family violence leave entitlements may be available through your employer

HOW CAN OMNIA LEGAL ASSIST YOU?

If you believe you are experiencing domestic violence it is important to seek legal advice to understand your rights and options.

If you would like to schedule an obligation-free complimentary phone consultation to talk through your option, call (07) 5415 0248 or email info@omnialegal.com.au.

Get in contact with the experienced Family Lawyers at Omnia Legal to discuss what may be relevant to your particular circumstances.

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This article provides general information on legal topics for educational purposes only, and should not be considered legal advice or recommendations. While we have taken care to ensure accuracy, Omnia Legal is not responsible for any errors, and makes no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the information. Links to third-party websites do not constitute an endorsement, and we are not liable for any damages that may result from using inaccurate or incomplete information. It's always best to seek legal advice for specific situations.