• Effective from 26 May 2025, coercive control will be recognised by Queensland as a criminal offence.[1] Therefore, abusive behaviour by adults to a current or former spouse, family member or unpaid carer with the intention to control or coerce will be illegal.[2]

  The criminal offence will aim to capture evidence including patterns of physical and/or non-physical abuse which is used to hurt, isolate, frighten, humiliate or threaten.[3] The maximum penalty to be imposed under this amendment is 14 years imprisonment; thereby, recognising the significant harm that may be caused and nature of the offence.[4]

  The purpose of the amendment is to criminalise specific conduct by adults (referring to individuals over the age of 18 years) where:

•               There is a domestic relationship between the accused and the victim;
•               The act of domestic violence has occurred on more than one occasion;
•               The accused intended to coerce or control the victim; and
•                It is reasonably likely that in all of the circumstances the course of conduct would cause harm to the victim.[5]

[1] ‘Coercive control laws’, Queensland Government (Web Page, 16 December 2024) <https://www.qld.gov.au/community/getting-support-health-social-issue/support-victims-abuse/need-to-know/coercive-control/coercive-control-laws#:~:text=other%20support%20options-,Changes%20to%20the%20law,to%20control%20or%20coerce%20them.>.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Ibid.