Coercive control is a form of abuse that can take over someone’s life without leaving a visible mark. It involves a persistent pattern of controlling behaviours designed to dominate a partner’s thoughts, actions, and choices, often leaving the victim feeling powerless and isolated.
For individuals and families across Queensland, recognising what coercive control looks like is increasingly important—especially as the state reforms domestic violence laws to address non-physical abuse. Family lawyers play a vital role in supporting victims, helping them understand their rights and take steps to protect themselves and their children.
Please note: this is general information only and not legal advice — please contact VM Family Law for accurate, tailored advice. Our full contact details can be found here: https://www.vmfamilylaw.com.au/contact/
What Is Coercive Control?
In Queensland, coercive control refers to repeated behaviours aimed at dominating, isolating, and frightening a partner or family member. These behaviours may not involve physical violence but can be destructive and cumulative.
Under the (Qld), domestic violence is defined to include a pattern of abusive, threatening or coercive behaviour over time. The Queensland Government explains that coercive control is regarded as domestic violence.
Significantly, Queensland has passed new laws to criminalise coercive control as a standalone offence from 26 May 2025 under the . The changes formalise that controlling patterns of behaviour in a domestic context can attract serious penalties.
How It Differs from Physical Abuse
While physical abuse is characterized by visible harm such as injury, coercive control operates more indirectly. It typically involves invisible but persistent actions that strip away autonomy, self-esteem and freedom.
Because the impact is subtle, recognising coercive control can be more difficult. However, the law recognises this pattern as part of the broader domestic violence framework and intends to respond accordingly.
Signs of Coercive Control
Coercive control often begins incrementally and may escalate over time. Some common warning signs include:
Monitoring your phone, emails or social media without consent.
Controlling your social contacts or cutting you off from family or friends.
Making all financial decisions or preventing you from working.
Repetitive belittling, blaming, humiliating you in private or public.
Threatening harm to yourself, your children, pets, or loved ones if you leave.
Using jealousy or possessiveness to justify control.
Limiting your access to education, healthcare, or legal help.
Though these behaviours may not leave physical scars, their cumulative effect can cause deep emotional damage.
Impact on Children and Parenting
Even when children are not the direct target, coercive control shapes the household environment and can affect their development. Potential impacts include:
Emotional or behavioural difficulties arising from exposure to persistent fear or instability.
Normalising unhealthy relationship patterns for children who witness such behaviour.
A parent’s capacity to provide safe and nurturing care may be compromised by the controlling partner’s interference.
Children may be used as tools by the abusive partner to manipulate the other parent or limit their access.
Because the law prioritises the best interests of the child, persistent controlling behaviour can affect parenting arrangements and court decisions.
How to Respond Legally in Queensland
Gathering Evidence
Even though coercive control often involves non-physical acts, building a record of behaviour is important. You can:
Keep a diary or journal of incidents, dates and any witnesses.
Save digital records: texts, emails, call logs, social media messages.
Collect financial records showing restricted access to funds.
Seek statements from family, friends or professionals who observed the behaviour.
Obtain medical or psychological reports documenting harm or distress.
Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs)
Under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 you can apply for a protection order. Courts recognise that a pattern of coercive behaviour may constitute domestic violence. If granted, a DVO imposes legally binding conditions; contravening those conditions becomes a criminal offence.
Criminal Offence
From 26 May 2025, coercive control is a standalone offence in Queensland under the amendment bill. It requires proof of a “course of conduct” in a domestic relationship, intended to coerce or control, and reasonably likely to cause harm (emotional, psychological, financial, or physical).
Family Law Settings
In family law and parenting matters, courts will consider the presence of coercive control when assessing parenting capacity or risk to the child. Demonstrating a pattern of controlling behaviour can influence parenting orders.
How Legal Advice Can Help You
Dealing with coercive control is challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. A specialist family lawyer can:
Explain your rights and help you understand legal frameworks for protection.
Assist in gathering evidence and preparing applications for DVOs or parenting orders.
Advocate for you in court, ensuring your safety and the best interests of your children are central.
Coordinate with support services and crisis assistance to build a safety plan around legal action.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is coercive control?
It is a repeated pattern of behaviour used to dominate, isolate or manipulate another person, restricting their freedom and autonomy, often without physical violence.
Is coercive control illegal in Queensland?
Yes. As of 26 May 2025, coercive control is a criminal offence in Queensland under the legislative amendments. Before that date it was recognised as domestic violence under existing laws.
How is it proven?
You will need to show a pattern of behaviour (not just one act) in the context of a domestic relationship, with intent to control and the likelihood of harm. Journals, digital records, testimonies and expert reports all assist.
What’s the first step if I think I’m experiencing coercive control?
If you’re in immediate danger you should call emergency services. Otherwise, contact a lawyer or domestic violence support service to explore your legal protections, and start documenting the behaviour you’re experiencing.
Final Thoughts
Coercive control is often invisible, but its impact can be profound and lasting. Recognising the signs, understanding your rights, and taking legal action early can significantly improve safety—both for you and your children.
If you’re in Queensland and experiencing controlling behaviour, seeking legal advice is a critical step. You deserve to feel safe—and you are not alone.
For compassionate and expert legal support, contact VM Family Law at the number above.
Official Information Sources
Queensland Government – Coercive Control Laws: https://www.qld.gov.au/community/getting-support-health-social-issue/support-victims-abuse/need-to-know/coercive-control/coercive-control-laws
Queensland Legislation – Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012: https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-2012-005
