On May 26th, 2025, new coercive control laws will come into effect in Queensland. The historic legislation under the Criminal Law (Coercive Control and Affirmative Consent) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 criminalises coercive control as a standalone offence.
This significant legislative change, known as Hannah’s Law, a Queensland mother was tragically murdered with her children by her estranged husband in 2020, aims to address the often subtle and imperceptible patterns of abuse that underpin many domestic and family violence incidents.
The root word for “coercive” is the Latin word “coercere,” meaning “to control, restrain, shut up together,” which is formed from “co-” (together) and “arcere” (to enclose, confine)
Queensland is the second state in Australia to criminalise coercive control as a standalone offence, following New South Wales’s introduction of similar laws on July 1, 2024 (Section 54D of the Crimes Act 1900, NSW). In both states, these laws criminalise patterns of abusive behaviours that are used to control or intimidate a current or previous intimate partner.
Recognising the signs of coercive control
Coercive control is often subtle and disguised as care, making it hard to identify.
Common signs include:
- Constant monitoring or demands for updates
- Control over money, ID or access to essentials
- Isolation from friends, family or support
- Gaslighting – making the victim doubt their memory, feelings or sanity
- Manipulation, threats, or pressure causing fear
- Sexual demands framed as an obligation
- The victim appearing anxious, withdrawn or distressed
These behaviours may seem minor alone, but form a dangerous pattern when repeated, often leading to long-term harm.
What do the new coercive control laws in Queensland address?
Under the new laws, the government aims to criminalise the actions of any adult who meets the following criteria, in an effort to reduce domestic violence incidents, and raise awareness of the severity of the impacts and prevalence of coercive control.
Under the Criminal Code (Qld), Part 5, SECT 20A, 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 in the context of a domestic relationship;
- The person intends to coerce or control the other person;
- All the circumstances considered, the behaviour is reasonably likely to cause the other person harm (including mental wellbeing, emotional, psychological, financial, or physical harm).
This introduces an objective test. Harm does not need to have actually occurred. Instead, a reasonable person in the same position as the victim must be likely to suffer harm from the conduct. In other words: ‘Would an average person, experiencing the same behaviour in the same context, likely suffer harm?’
It means the abusive pattern of behaviour, when fully considered in context, would likely cause mental, emotional, physical, psychological or financial harm to the other person, or any reasonable person in that situation.
This new offence is punishable by up to 14 years’ imprisonment — a clear statement from the state that such behaviour is not only unacceptable but criminal.
The law applies to intimate partner relationships, informal care relationships and other domestic connections, reflecting the broad scope of coercive and controlling behaviour.
The legal framework for new laws in Queensland
The Queensland Government’s Criminal Law (Coercive Control and Affirmative Consent) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill marks a historic step in Queensland’s response to domestic and family violence. Introduced by the Queensland Government, the legislation implements key recommendations from the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce. It is widely known as Hannah’s Law, named in honour of Hannah Clarke and her children, whose tragic deaths sparked national calls for reform.
The law creates a standalone coercive control offence, making it a criminal act for an adult to engage in a pattern of abusive conduct, including emotional, psychological, financial, or physical abuse, intended to coerce or control a current or former intimate partner, family member, or person in an informal care relationship. The legislation recognises the cumulative harm of non-physical abuse and addresses it as a serious criminal matter, punishable by up to 14 years’ imprisonment.
Key legislative changes
The Queensland Government’s 2023 reforms mark a major shift in domestic violence and consent laws. Hannah’s Law introduces new criminal offences, clearer consent standards, and protections against coercive control, modernising the legal response to complex, non-physical forms of abuse.
Standalone coercive control offence
The law establishes coercive control as a distinct criminal offence. It criminalises a pattern of abusive behaviour, including emotional, psychological, financial, or physical abuse, intended to coerce or control a current or former intimate partner, family member, or person in an informal care relationship. This offence carries a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment.
Affirmative consent requirement
The legislation introduces a requirement for affirmative consent in sexual activities, ensuring that all parties actively agree to engage in sexual acts. This change aims to clarify and strengthen consent laws.
Criminalisation of ‘stealthing’
The act of removing a condom during intercourse without consent, known as ‘stealthing’, is now classified as a form of sexual assault and can lead to charges of rape, with penalties including life imprisonment.
Understanding domestic violence
Domestic violence is abusive or violent behaviour used by one person to control, dominate or harm another in an intimate, family or informal care relationship. It includes physical, emotional, psychological, sexual and financial abuse, as well as coercive control.
Under Australian law, although each state varies slightly, it also covers threats, intimidation, stalking and behaviour that causes fear or restricts a person’s freedom and wellbeing. Domestic violence can affect people of any age, gender or background.
How does coercive control fit into domestic violence?
Coercive control is a core form of domestic violence, involving a pattern of subtle, ongoing behaviours used to dominate, direct and entrap a partner. Unlike physical violence, it’s often silent, hard to define and deeply psychological.
Tactics like gaslighting, isolation, monitoring and financial control are used to erode the victim’s confidence, independence and sense of reality. Though not always visible, coercive control can be just as harmful, or even more harmful than, visible forms of violence, creating fear and long-term emotional and psychological harm. It’s also a common factor in many violent domestic incidents, which are frequently left unaddressed while violence escalates.
What is deemed coercive control?
Coercive control is a deliberate pattern of abusive behaviours intended to dominate, manipulate and diminish the autonomy of another person.
These behaviours can include:
- Isolation from friends and family
- Monitoring communications and movements
- Financial control, abuse or exploitation
- Emotional and psychological abuse
- Intimidation and threats
- Sexual coercion
- Cyberstalking
The new laws also reflect a significant shift in how consent is understood and applied in sexual offence proceedings by formally recognising the principle of affirmative consent. Under this model, consent is not merely the absence of resistance or a failure to say “no” – it requires a person to actively and voluntarily agree to participate in a sexual activity.
Patterns of coercive control in intimate and domestic relationships
Coercive control is rarely a single act – it’s a persistent pattern of behaviours that gradually chip away at a person’s self-worth, autonomy, and independence. It can take many forms, including psychological, emotional, physical, financial or sexual abuse, and often operates subtly and covertly.
The affected person may not immediately recognise what is happening, and it may be well hidden from others. The control is built over time through manipulation, fear and isolation. Victims often find themselves unable to make basic decisions or express preferences without fearing consequences. Over time, this form of abuse creates an environment where the person loses their freedom, voice and sense of self.
How does coercive control affect victim survivors?
Coercive control undermines a person’s autonomy through persistent manipulation, isolation, and fear, often without physical violence. Victim-survivors may feel confused, trapped, or doubt their own judgment, especially when abuse is masked as love or concern.
These patterns can severely impact mental health, self-esteem and feelings of safety. The new law recognises this harm, offering validation, protection and a clear legal pathway to hold perpetrators accountable.
How does legislation around Australia compare to Queensland’s coercive control laws?
Queensland’s coercive control laws are among the strongest in Australia. Passed in 2024 and taking effect in May 2025, the offence carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison. In comparison, New South Wales criminalised coercive control earlier, with a maximum of 7 years’ imprisonment.
Other states vary in how they address coercive control. New South Wales led the way by introducing the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Coercive Control) Act 2022, which criminalises coercive control with a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment.
Victoria and Tasmania address aspects of coercive control under family violence laws, but don’t have standalone offences. South Australia has proposed a new criminal offence, but it hasn’t passed it yet. Western Australia is taking a staged approach, focusing first on education and reform before introducing new laws.
When can a person be charged with a coercive control offence in Queensland?
From May 26th, 2025, under Queensland’s new laws, a person can be charged with a coercive control offence for engaging in a sustained pattern of abusive behaviour intended to dominate their partner.
This includes emotional, psychological, financial or physical abuse that, when viewed in context, is reasonably likely to cause harm. The offence recognises that abuse is not always physical and aims to address the controlling tactics often hidden behind closed doors.
Beyond criminalisation – from raising awareness to saving lives
Coercive control laws are about more than punishment; they aim to prevent domestic violence murders and shift how we understand and respond to abuse. By criminalising coercive control in Queensland, the legislation raises community awareness around non-physical abuse, helping people recognise the warning signs before harm escalates. It also works to prevent domestic violence from occurring in its most extreme forms, such as intimate partner homicide, by identifying abusive patterns early.
These reforms empower police and courts with stronger legal tools to intervene. Like Tasmania’s Family Violence Act, and reforms in other states, Queensland’s approach gives victims a more straightforward path to protection. In the context of sexual offence proceedings imposing new consent standards, this broader recognition of control and manipulation reinforces a more proactive and protective justice system.
Reporting abuse and seeking support for coercive control
If you or someone you know is experiencing coercive control, it is important to seek help. You can report coercive control to the Queensland Police Service or contact domestic violence support services for assistance.
Support is available through:
- DV Connect: 1800 811 811 (24/7)
- 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 (24/7)
These services offer confidential support, information and assistance in safety planning. They can help with domestic violence orders, counselling, accommodation, safety planning and legal advice.
Domestic violence orders and family violence protection orders can be obtained through Queensland Police for immediate needs, the Magistrate’s Court and also through a domestic violence lawyer.
Need assistance addressing coercive control in Queensland?
If you’re experiencing coercive control or need help with domestic violence orders and related family law matters, our experienced domestic violence lawyers can support you. We provide expert advice, assist with legal protections, and can help you address related complex family law issues. Contact us today for confidential assistance and to protect your safety and rights.