Coercive Control Offences in Queensland
Domestic violence laws have become stronger in Queensland. As of 26 May 2025, coercive control is officially a criminal offence in Queensland. Also, colloquially known as Hannah’s Law, in an effort to prevent intimate partner homicide. This reform is named in memory of Hannah Clarke, a Brisbane mother who, along with her three children, tragically lost her life in a domestic violence incident in 2020. Legislators hope that the law will make a positive difference in the lives of victims and help prevent further instances of coercive control and domestic violence.
It is now illegal for an adult to use abusive behaviours towards their current, or former, intimate partner, family member, or informal (unpaid) carer with the intention to control or coerce them.
Defining Coercive Control
A perpetrator uses coercive control to dominate and control their partner in an intimate relationship. This type of behaviour often involves tactics such as isolation, manipulation, intimidation, and surveillance. Over time, this sort of behaviour can have the cumulative effect of denying victim-survivors autonomy and independence.
Coercive control is a pattern of behavioiur that includes:-
- Isolation
- Rules and regulations
- Threats and intimidation
- Obstruction of employment
- Monitoring of time
- Monitoring of communication
- Taking control of daily life
- Put-downs
- Deprivation of basic needs
- Assault or rape
Hannah’s Law: recognizes:
- Coercive control is a pattern of behavior used by one person aimed at controlling, dominating or intimidating a person in a domestic relationship through fear;
- Coercive control includes physical- and non-physical types of aggression used to hurt, humiliate, isolate, frighten, or threaten a victim-survivor including psycho-emotional abuse and financial abuse, isolation, and cyberstalking.
- Coercive control is a pattern of behaviour used to causethe victim to fear for their safety or the safety of someone else, and
Examples of behaviour that could be considered coercive control include isolating a person from their friends and family, controlling their finances, monitoring their movements, and using threats or intimidation to control their behaviour.
Under this new law, it is also illegal to hire third parties, including private investigators, to locate and monitor a victim-survivor named in a DVO or police protection notice.
The legislation applies to both past and current relationships and if convicted, the criminal offence carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment due to the serious nature of the offence and the harm coercive control can cause victim-survivors.
Why criminalise coercive control?
Research has shown that there is a strong link between coercive control and domestic homicide. The abuser’s need for control can escalate to the point where they feel that the only way to maintain their power is through violence. In addition, coercive control can create a situation where the victim feels trapped and unable to leave the relationship. The abuser may have convinced the victim that they are worthless or that no one else will ever love them, making it difficult for them to seek help or support. This can increase the risk of homicide as the victim may feel that they have no other option but to stay in the abusive relationship, despite the escalation in violence.
Existing laws already provide police and the courts with additional powers to intervene and protect victims of domestic violence. Police can issue Police Protection Notices and Applications for Protection Order (Domestic Violence Orders) (DVOs) to protect victims of domestic violence from domestic violence and now including coercive control before a full hearing is held. The DVO itself is a civil order however, breaching a DVO is a criminal offence and can result in imprisonment or a fine.
This information is general only and we recommend you obtain professional advice relevant to your circumstances. If you or someone you know wants more information or needs help or advice, please contact us on 07 32816644 or email mail@powerlegal.com.au.
