Coercive Control Laws in Queensland

Coercive control refers to a pattern of behaviour where one person seeks to dominate, control, or intimidate another in a domestic or family relationship.

It can include:

• Emotional or psychological abuse

• Controlling finances or access to money

• Isolating a person from friends or family

• Monitoring movements or communications

• Threats, intimidation, or manipulation

Coercive control is recognised as a serious form of domestic and family violence.

Coercive control is recognised under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld) as a form of domestic violence.

Queensland has also been progressing toward making coercive control a standalone criminal offence, meaning certain patterns of controlling behaviour may attract criminal liability.

Because the law is evolving, it is important to obtain up-to-date legal advice.

Examples may include:

• Repeatedly monitoring or tracking a person

• Restricting access to finances

• Controlling who a person sees or speaks to

• Threatening harm or consequences

• Gaslighting or psychological manipulation

• Persistent intimidation or harassment

The key feature is a pattern of behaviour, not a single incident.

Unlike one-off incidents (such as assault), coercive control focuses on ongoing patterns of behaviour designed to dominate or control another person over time.

Courts assess the overall pattern rather than isolated acts.

Yes. Coercive and controlling behaviour can form the basis for a Protection Order application in the Magistrates Court of Queensland.

Even without physical violence, the court can make a DVO to protect the aggrieved person.

If coercive control forms part of a domestic violence matter, consequences may include:

• A Protection Order (DVO)

• Restrictions on contact and behaviour

• Impacts on family law and parenting matters

If charged as a criminal offence (depending on legislative developments), penalties may include fines or imprisonment.

These cases often rely on a combination of evidence, such as:

• Text messages, emails, or social media communications

• Witness statements

• Financial records

• Patterns of behaviour over time

• Complainant evidence

Because coercive control involves patterns, evidence is often gathered over a period of time.

Yes. Defences depend on the facts and may include:

• Disputing the alleged pattern of behaviour

• Challenging the credibility or reliability of evidence

• Contextual explanations for conduct

• Lack of intent to control or coerce

Each case requires a careful legal assessment.

You should:

• Avoid contacting the complainant

• Comply with any existing Protection Order

• Not discuss the matter with others

• Seek legal advice immediately

Early advice is critical, particularly given the complexity of these allegations.

Yes. Courts take allegations of coercive control seriously when determining parenting arrangements, with the safety of children and affected persons being the primary consideration.

Yes. Coercive control often occurs without any physical violence and may be entirely psychological, emotional, or financial in nature.

No. Coercive control involves a pattern of behaviour over time, not a one-off disagreement or isolated incident.

If coercive control becomes a standalone criminal offence or forms part of other criminal charges, imprisonment may be possible depending on the circumstances.

Coercive control allegations may arise alongside:

• Breaches of Protection Orders

• Stalking or unlawful surveillance offences

• Assault or threatening behaviour

These matters are often interconnected.

Item deYes. These cases are complex and fact-specific. A lawyer can:

• Analyse patterns of alleged behaviour

• Advise on your legal position

• Represent you in court

• Protect your rights and long-term interests

There is increasing recognition that controlling and coercive behaviour can cause serious harm, even without physical violence. Legislative reforms aim to better address these patterns and improve protection for victims.