Share this @internewscast.com
This article contains references to domestic and family violence and suicide.
Coercive control is now a criminal offence in Queensland, with convicted offenders facing up to 14 years in jail.
The new laws have come into effect after years of campaigning from advocates, including Sue and Lloyd Clarke, whose daughter Hannah experienced domestic violence and coercive control.

Here’s what you need to know about the new laws and why it is a “bittersweet” day for advocates.

What are the coercive control laws?

Under Queensland’s laws, it is illegal for an adult to use abusive behaviours towards their current or former intimate partner, family member, or informal carer with the intent to control or coerce them.

The laws apply to abusive behaviours that occur on or after 26 May 2025 and convicted perpetrators can face a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison.
Nadia Bromley, CEO of Women’s Legal Service Queensland, said the criminalisation of coercive control has been a long time coming.
“For a long time, we’ve known that coercive control underpins a lot of domestic family violence,” she said.

“This change today is about recognising that coercive control is a very serious form of domestic violence … the kinds of conduct we’re talking about [are] any pattern of behaviour that’s really designed to dominate or control another person in the context of a domestic relationship.”

How is coercive control defined?

Coercive control involves a pattern of abusive behaviour, with the intention to hurt, humiliate, isolate, frighten or threaten another person in order to control or dominate them.
It can be physical or non-physical and includes emotional, psychological and financial abuse, along with isolation, intimidation, sexual coercion and cyberstalking.
Bromley said she hoped the new laws would improve education and awareness in the community.

“I think people still find it hard to articulate what’s happening to them to understand that it’s something that can be addressed and that there is help available,” she said.

“I think the secondary part is accountability … recognising not only these harmful and unwelcome behaviours, but we know that they’re really closely linked with fatality,” Bromley said.

“Having that significant deterrent there, that 14-year offence, I suppose, really reflects the seriousness that this is viewed by the justice system and the consequences that might flow.”

How did we get to this point?

The criminalisation of coercive control has come after years of lobbying and advocacy by advocates and the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce.
A man and a woman in a half embrace are standing outside in front of a tree.

Lloyd and Sue Clarke, the parents of Hannah Clarke, have worked to raise awareness of domestic violence and coercive control. Source: AAP / Darren England

Clarke, along with her three children, was killed by her former partner in 2020. He then took his own life. Since then, Clarke’s parents, Sue and Lloyd Clarke, have dedicated themselves to educating Australians on the dangers of coercive control and domestic violence.

The taskforce examined coercive control and reviewed the need for a domestic violence offence and the experiences of women across the criminal justice system and made a series of recommendations.

In 2023, legislation was introduced to parliament following recommendations from the taskforce. In 2024, the landmark reforms were passed.

‘Bittersweet’ day for Clarke family

The Clarkes, who established the foundation Small Steps 4 Hannah, said the new laws felt “bittersweet”.
“There were so many sacrifices made along the way, not just ours. And I think it’s important we acknowledge them — because they are the reason we can now hold potential perpetrators to account,” 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.”

The Clarkes are committed to making sure Australians understand coercive control without experiencing the devastating consequences.
Sue Clarke said her daughter had not known she was in an abusive relationship, because she was not being physically harmed.
“If knowing about coercive control could save someone’s life, we’d be willing to share our story a thousand times over,” she said.
“Every red flag we shared, every story we told, has laid the groundwork for the argument that coercive control is a form of family and domestic violence.”
Former attorney general Shannon Fentiman celebrated the laws in a social media post.
“For too long, women experiencing coercive control were told it wasn’t serious, or it wasn’t illegal. That changes today.
“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.”
If you or someone you know is impacted by family and domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
Readers seeking crisis support can ring Lifeline on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (for young people aged up to 25). More information and support with mental health is available at beyondblue.org.au and on 1300 22 4636.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Pictured: Kim with her children Elijah and Willow on a beach in New Zealand after the family moved there in June

From Costly Staycation to Kiwi Relocation: How a Pricey Center Parcs Trip Led to a £30,000 Move to New Zealand

A British couple has shared the cultural contrasts they’ve encountered since relocating…
Wild weather in Victoria

Victoria and SA Prepare for Intense Cyclonic Winds and Severe Weather Conditions

Residents throughout south-east Victoria, including those in Melbourne, are bracing for severe…

Ley Urges Decisive Action on Rudd, Criticizes Prime Minister’s Handling of Trump Tariff Issue

Opposition leader Sussan Ley says Kevin Rudd’s position as ambassador to the…
Brittany Higgins has abandoned appeals against her costly defamation battle loss to her former boss, ex-Liberal senator Linda Reynolds.

Stunned by Defamation Defeat: Higgins Drops Appeals Amid Skyrocketing Costs

Brittany Higgins has decided to withdraw her appeals related to the loss…
Dayna Lynch - Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Dayna Seeks $20,000 for Rare Surgery to Restore Arm Functionality

Exclusive Report: A Melbourne artist is facing the possibility of losing the…
'Nice guy': PM reveals extra details about Trump-Rudd clash

Prime Minister Shares Additional Insights into Trump-Rudd Dispute

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has backed Australia’s ambassador to the US, former…
Emergency Landing

Unexpected Mid-Air Mystery: Pilot Diverts Flight After Hearing Eerie Knocking on Cockpit Door

An American Airlines flight, operated by SkyWest Airlines, made an emergency landing…

Australia-China Tensions Escalate: Unpacking the South China Sea Standoff

Metal casing from a flare released by a Chinese jet near an…
Gregor Townsend says he will scale back his Red Bull role if it begins to affect Scotland

Townsend’s Red Bull Role Could Impact Scotland’s Test Success: Fans Demand Results

During a press briefing yesterday, Gregor Townsend momentarily feigned frustration as he…
Shane Hryhorec has been using a wheelchair for the past 18 years and ran into an ironic and glaring issue at Health and Disability Minister Mark Butler's office in Port Adelaide.

Accessibility Fail: Shocking Barrier Encountered at Disability Minister’s Office

For nearly two decades, Shane Hryhorec has navigated life in a wheelchair,…
People brave the early morning ahead of the record-breaking heat at Rose Bay's Redleaf Pool in Sydney.

Sydney Suburbs Sizzle: Record-Breaking Heat and Fierce Winds Fuel Fire Warnings

Sydney has endured its hottest October day on record, with temperatures climbing…

Rising Living Costs Hit Australians Hard: Unveiling a Larger Issue

Cost of living spikes continue to push living standards down. To learn…