Coercive Control

Coercive control is a persistent pattern of behaviours used to dominate, control and isolate you. It is a core dynamic of domestic, family and sexual violence. It is just as harmful as physical violence, even though it often leaves no visible physical injuries.

This form of abuse can affect your physical, emotional and mental health. It can also affect you culturally, spiritually, socially and financially, leading to feelings of fear and being alone.

Many people who experience coercive control feel trapped and scared. Repeated abuse can wear down their self-esteem and confidence. This makes it harder to leave or reach out for help. 

People who use coercive control may:

• restrict access to money, transport, or healthcare
• monitor your phone, social media or movements
• take you away from people or things you care about
• threaten, intimidate or humiliate you
• impose rules or punishments to maintain control
• take away your confidence or independence.

These behaviours are often subtle, targeted and repeated over time. They can make you feel afraid and powerless. It can be difficult to recognise. 

Impact on people who experience coercive control

The effects of coercive control can be long-lived and devastating. People who experience coercive control may be impacted by:

• anxiety, depression or trauma
• difficulty trusting others or forming new relationships
• financial insecurity
• disconnection from culture, community or support networks
• ongoing fear, even after the relationship has ended.

These impacts are often made up of barriers to seeking help, especially for people from some communities. This includes First Nations peoples, people with disability, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and culturally and linguistically diverse groups.

If you think you might be experiencing coercive control, contacting a support service like 1800RESPECT for advice is a good first step. Our trained counsellors can work with you to help you identify what you are experiencing. They can also find the right services or support for you.

There are resources available to help you understand and spot the signs of coercive control. For example, from the Attorney-General's Department. 

People experiencing coercive control may not always recognise it as abuse. The behaviour can be subtle and manipulative. It is often covered up as concern or love. They might believe it’s just part of a “normal” relationship. This can be especially true if they have been gaslit or made to doubt their own experiences.

Coercive control can make someone feel trapped, alone and unsure of where to get help. 

It can be difficult to leave. This can be especially true when fear and shame are involved or if you are reliant on the person using violence.

If someone you know is experiencing coercive control:

• Listen without judgment. Let them share their story in their own time and with their own words, believe them and validate their feelings and experiences.
• Avoid telling them what to do. You can focus on their safety and freedom to choose their next steps.
• Let them know help is available and they are not alone.
• Be patient with them. Leaving an abusive relationship is hard and can take time.

You can also contact 1800RESPECT for guidance on how to support your loved one safely. If you are concerned you or someone you know is experiencing coercive control there are things you can do to help. You can contact your local police service. In an emergency, contact 000.

To find more information about domestic violence and the law, click here.

Addressing coercive control in domestic, family and sexual violence

The Australian Government, in partnership with all state and territory governments, has developed the National Principles to Address Coercive Control. It includes a guide on how governments, services and communities can respond to this form of abuse.

The National Principles aims to:

• define the common features of coercive control
• recognise its traumatic and long-term effects
• promote intersectional and culturally safe responses
• include lived experience in policy and practice
• support prevention, early intervention, response and recovery
• improve legal and community responses to coercive control.

These principles are designed to improve safety for all Australians. 

If you want to learn more, you can read more here.

Coercive control laws in Australia

All states and territories have laws that respond to domestic, family and sexual violence. This includes behaviours linked to coercive control. However, laws vary across the country:

• New South Wales: Coercive control is a criminal offence, with penalties up to 7 years imprisonment.
• Queensland: Coercive control is a criminal offence, with penalties up to 14 years imprisonment.
• Victoria, Tasmania, ACT, NT: Coercive control behaviours are addressed under broader family violence laws.
• South Australia and Western Australia: Draft legislation and phased reforms are underway to criminalise coercive control.