Coercive Control Is Now a Crime in Queensland: What You Need to Know
As of 28 May 2025, coercive control is officially a criminal offence in Queensland. This change marks one of the most significant reforms in domestic violence law in recent years and has been widely reported in the media.
These new laws expand the scope of domestic violence beyond physical abuse, recognising that many of the most dangerous forms of harm are psychological, emotional, or financial in nature.
In this article, we unpack what coercive control is, how the law has changed, and what it means for individuals facing accusations or experiencing controlling behaviours in a relationship.
What Is Coercive Control?
Coercive control is a deliberate pattern of behaviour used to dominate, intimidate, or isolate another person — often in an intimate or family relationship. It does not necessarily involve physical violence.
Examples of coercive control include:
- Constantly monitoring or tracking a partner’s movements or communications
- Isolating them from friends, family, or support systems
- Controlling access to money or forcing financial dependency
- Making threats (including threats of self-harm) to manipulate or instil fear
- Repeated belittling, gaslighting, or verbal abuse
- Restricting freedom of movement, communication, or employment
In the past, victims of such behaviour had limited legal recourse unless physical violence occurred. This left a significant gap in the legal system — one that has now, at least partially, been addressed.
The New Offence: What the Law Says
Under the Criminal Code (Qld), as amended by the Criminal Law (Coercive Control and Affirmative Consent) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024, a person commits the offence of coercive control if they engage in a “course of conduct” with the intent to coerce or control another person and their behaviour causes harm.
To be clear, this law is not about one-off incidents — it is about ongoing, sustained conduct that cumulatively has a damaging effect on a person’s psychological, emotional, or financial wellbeing.
Key elements:
- The conduct must be repeated (a “course of conduct”)
- The accused must have intended to coerce or control the other person
- The conduct must be reasonably likely to cause harm
- The law applies to intimate partners, but also includes former partners, carers, and family members in some contexts
The maximum penalty is 14 years’ imprisonment, making this one of the most serious offences related to domestic violence in Queensland law.
Why Was the Law Introduced?
The catalyst for this reform was the tragic case of Hannah Clarke, who was murdered alongside her three children by her ex-partner in 2020. Although she had reported his controlling behaviour in the past, the law offered limited protection. He had not physically assaulted her prior to the fatal attack.
Hannah’s case ignited national debate and gave rise to the term “Hannah’s Law”, which is often used to refer to the new coercive control offence.
The law aims to address the reality that domestic abuse often begins long before the first physical assault — and that early intervention could save lives.
How Will It Be Enforced?
The new offence places significant responsibilities on both law enforcement and the judiciary.
For police:
- Officers will require training to identify coercive control, which often presents in subtle and non-obvious ways.
- Investigations will focus on establishing patterns of behaviour over time — rather than isolated events.
- Police must assess the emotional and psychological effects on the victim and corroborate their claims with evidence such as texts, emails, call logs, financial records, or third-party observations.
For the courts:
- Magistrates and judges will be asked to evaluate complex relationship dynamics and long-term behavioural patterns.
- Courts will also consider how the conduct has affected the victim’s sense of safety, autonomy, and wellbeing — not just physical injury.
This shift will require a cultural as well as procedural change in how domestic violence is understood and prosecuted.
What Does This Mean for Victims?
For many survivors, the introduction of this law offers long-awaited recognition that emotional and psychological abuse is real — and just as dangerous as physical violence.
The new offence gives victims:
- A clear legal path to report and prosecute non-physical abuse
- Stronger grounds to seek Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVOs)
- Legal recognition of the cumulative harm caused by repeated, controlling behaviours
- Increased support through police training, specialist DV services, and court resources
What If You’re Accused?
If you are accused of coercive control, it’s vital to take the allegation seriously.
The nature of the offence — focusing on long-term behaviour and emotional harm — can make it complex to defend. You may feel the complaint is unfair or taken out of context, but the consequences of a conviction are severe.
At Cridland & Hua, we advise anyone facing accusations of coercive or controlling behaviour to:
- Seek legal advice immediately — do not speak to police without a lawyer.
- Avoid contact with the complainant, even if you believe the claim is exaggerated or false.
- Gather records of communication, finances, and any previous interactions — especially those showing shared decision-making or consent.
- Comply strictly with any protection orders or bail conditions that may be issued.
Remember, these matters are judged over time. Even minor breaches of no-contact conditions can be used against you in court.
How Does This Affect Family Law Matters?
Coercive control is increasingly relevant in parenting and property proceedings, especially when determining whether a parent poses a risk to a child or former partner.
Federal family courts may consider evidence of coercive control when deciding custody or access arrangements, and financial abuse may factor into property settlements.
If you’re involved in both criminal and family law matters, it’s essential that your legal team understands how these systems interact — and that your defence strategy accounts for both.
Final Thoughts
Queensland’s coercive control laws represent a watershed moment in the legal response to domestic violence. For the first time, the law acknowledges that abuse is not limited to physical harm, and that consistent, controlling behaviours can be just as devastating — if not more so.
At Cridland & Hua, we believe in protecting the rights of both survivors and the accused. Whether you’re navigating a complex DV complaint, facing criminal charges, or seeking legal clarity, we’re here to provide strategic, compassionate, and expert advice.
If you need guidance on how this law affects your situation, reach out to us today.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice tailored to your circumstances, contact Cridland & Hua directly.
