Bordering on the criminal: coercive control in family relationships

What is coercive control?

The term coercive control refers to a range of repeated patterns of family and domestic violence. These behaviours can include emotional, financial and psychological abuse used to gain control over an individual. Examples include restricting activities and access to bank accounts, insults, humiliation, and threats to take away the children or harm themselves. By having their independence and autonomy removed in this way, the individual can feel trapped in a cycle of abuse.

Is coercive control legal?

Coercive control behaviours have been made an offence in some jurisdictions, including England, Wales and Tasmania. In NSW, as part of a growing awareness that family violence is more than just physical, The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Coercive Control) Bill 2022 was passed through the NSW Parliament last November. The Bill aims to create a new offence relating to ‘abusive behaviour towards current and former intimate partners’ to increase protections in such relationships.

The next steps include an implementation period of some 19 months to provide education and training on the proposed new law for the police, and judicial officials and provide the community time to understand their rights. The law is expected to be implemented by 1 July 2024.

Contact our Family Lawyers based in Sydney, NSW

If you find yourself in the type of situation outlined, the experienced team at Szabo & Associates Solicitors can help you understand where you stand and what action can be taken. Please contact us on 02 9281 5088 or complete the online contact form.