On 26 May 2025, Queensland enacted landmark coercive control laws, criminalising non-physical forms of abuse within domestic and family relationships. Known as ‘Hannah’s Law’, this legislation forms part of the Criminal Law (Coercive Control and Affirmative Consent) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024, a direct response to rising concerns about domestic and family violence.
This legislation acknowledges that controlling behaviours, even without physical violence, can be deeply harmful. Queensland’s coercive control laws are designed to prevent further domestic violence occurring by recognising and addressing abusive behaviours early.
What Is Coercive Control?
Coercive control is a deliberate course of conduct involving repeated abusive behaviours intended to dominate, isolate or intimidate another person in a domestic relationship. Unlike one-off acts of violence, it is a sustained pattern that may include:
- Emotional abuse and manipulation
- Economic abuse or controlling access to finances
- Monitoring movements or communications
- Isolation from friends, family, or support networks
- Threats, intimidation, or psychological harm
- Sexual coercion or manipulation
- Cyberstalking or unlawful stalking
Victim survivors of coercive control often experience lasting impacts on their mental wellbeing, sense of safety and autonomy.
Queensland’s New Coercive Control Offence
From 26 May 2025, it became a criminal offence in Queensland for an adult to engage in coercive control against a current or former intimate partner, family member, or informal carer. Under the Criminal Code (Qld), a person commits the offence of coercive control if:
- The person engages in a course of conduct involving domestic violence on more than one occasion
- The conduct occurs within a domestic relationship
- The person intends to coerce or control the other person
- All the circumstances suggest the behaviour is reasonably likely to cause the other person harm, whether mental, emotional, psychological, financial or physical
This criminal offence in Queensland carries a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment, highlighting the Queensland Government’s commitment to tackling domestic and family violence.
Why These Laws Matter
Coercive control laws address the detrimental effect of non-physical abuse, preventing domestic violence murders and empowering victim-survivors to seek support. By criminalising coercive control, the legislation recognises the serious harm these behaviours cause and seeks to protect individuals before abuse escalates.
The Queensland Police Service plays a key role in preventing domestic and family violence by issuing police protection notices and responding to reports of coercive control.
How Does Queensland Compare to Other States?
Queensland’s coercive control laws are among the strongest in Australia. The maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment exceeds the seven-year penalty introduced in New South Wales in 2024. Other states, like Victoria and Tasmania, address coercive control within broader family violence protection laws but do not yet have standalone offences.
The Broader Impact on Victim Survivors
Victim survivors of coercive control often endure:
- Mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression
- Social isolation enforced by perpetrators
- Financial harm through economic abuse
- Lasting fear and trauma, even after escaping the abusive relationship
The law acknowledges these impacts, aiming to provide support and legal recognition of harm.
The Legal Process for Addressing Coercive Control
If you believe you or someone you know is experiencing coercive control, there are specific steps you can take within the legal system under the new coercive control laws:
- Reporting to Police: Victim survivors or concerned individuals can report coercive control to the Queensland Police Service. Police officers are trained to identify and respond to reports of coercive control.
- Police Investigation: Upon receiving a report, police will conduct an investigation, which may include gathering witness statements, reviewing communications, and assessing behavioural patterns.
- Issuing Protection Orders: Police can issue a Police Protection Notice (PPN) if there is an immediate risk, or apply to the court for a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) on behalf of the victim. A DVO can impose restrictions on the alleged perpetrator’s behaviour to ensure the victim’s safety.
- Filing Criminal Charges: If evidence supports it, the police may charge the perpetrator with the criminal offence of coercive control. The case is then referred to the court system, where it proceeds through the standard criminal justice process.
- Court Proceedings: The accused will face court proceedings, during which evidence will be presented and a determination made. If found guilty, the offender may face up to 14 years’ imprisonment.
Other Legal Remedies for Coercive Control
Besides criminal charges, other legal options include:
- Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs): Even without criminal charges, with evidence, victims can apply for a DVO through the Magistrates Court to protect themselves from further harm.
- Family Law Protections: Victim survivors can seek parenting orders, protection orders, and other remedies through the family law system.
- Victim Support Services: Legal Aid Queensland and community legal centres can assist with advice and representation.
How to Recognise Coercive Control
Common signs include:
- Constant monitoring or surveillance
- Control over finances, ID, or access to essentials
- Isolation from support networks
- Gaslighting and manipulation
- Threats, intimidation, or coercion
If you or someone you know is experiencing coercive control, it is crucial to report coercive control and seek support from a family lawyer or from any of the services listed below.
Support Services & Legal Help
Victim survivors can access support through:
- DV Connect (1800 811 811) – Crisis support
- 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) – National counselling service
- Legal Aid Queensland – Legal advice and representation
- Queensland Police Service – Police protection notices and assistance
If in immediate danger, call 000.
Moving Towards A Safer Future
Combating coercive control requires more than legal recognition; it demands cultural change, community awareness and strong support services. Queensland’s legislation is a vital step towards preventing domestic violence and protecting vulnerable people.
If you need legal advice or support to seek protection under Queensland’s coercive control laws, contact our experienced, compassionate domestic violence lawyers for confidential assistance.