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Australia's war on coercive control reaches the ACT—but is 2026 too late?

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Australia's war on coercive control reaches the ACT—but is 2026 too late?

mika-baumeister-MvNahx-yrqY-unsplash.jpg Australia's war on coercive control reaches the ACT—but is 2026 too late?
The ACT is set to join a growing national movement to criminalise coercive control, but the government's mid-2026 timeline has sparked fierce debate about whether that's fast enough to save lives. Image source: Mika Baumeister / Unsplash.

Content Warning: This article discusses domestic and family violence, coercive control, and related abuse, including references to homicide. It may be distressing for some readers.



The ACT is set to join a growing national movement to criminalise coercive control, but the government's mid-2026 timeline has sparked fierce debate about whether that's fast enough to save lives.





When Family Violence Minister Marisa Paterson announced the new legislation in the Legislative Assembly this week, she became the latest Australian politician to grapple with a form of domestic violence that often remains invisible until it's too late.



The NSW Domestic Violence Death Review Team found that in 97 per cent of intimate partner domestic violence homicides cases, the victim had experienced coercive and controlling behaviours, while Queensland's new coercive control laws carry a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment due to the serious nature of the offence.



What coercive control means for older Australians



For many older Australians, coercive control might not look like the dramatic scenarios portrayed in movies. Instead, it's the adult child who gradually takes control of a parent's finances, the partner who isolates their spouse from old friends, or the family member who uses guilt and manipulation to control daily decisions.



Coercive control involves perpetrators using patterns of abusive behaviours over time in a way that creates fear and denies liberty and autonomy. This can include financial control, constant monitoring, humiliation, and dictating where someone goes or whom they see.




Recognising coercive control in later life


Common signs include: controlling access to money or benefits


Preventing contact with family or friends


Making all decisions about medical care or living arrangements


Using adult children as tools for manipulation


Threatening to withdraw care or support




The ACT government's own research underscores why this legislation matters. An ACT government review found that coercive control had been a factor in almost every domestic violence death reviewed over a two-decade period, with patterns existing in at least 75 per cent of the homicides reviewed.




The political stoush over timing



Opposition leader Leanne Castley didn't hold back in her criticism of the government's timeline, accusing Labor of having 'dragged their heels' on an issue that could be costing lives. Her frustration reflects a broader tension across Australia about balancing thorough consultation with urgent action.



'Six months ago, we sought the call [for] the government to introduce coercive control legislation,' Castley said, announcing her intention to introduce her own bill in December rather than wait for the government's 2026 timeframe.









Dr Paterson defended the timeline, emphasising that a steering committee would guide the legislation's development with victim-survivor voices at its heart. This approach mirrors what other states have learned: rushing legislation without proper consultation and training can create more problems than it solves.




'Coercive control is an insidious form of violence. It most often occurs behind closed doors'

Dr Marisa Paterson, ACT Family Violence Minister



Following in the footsteps of tragic change



The push for coercive control laws across Australia gained unstoppable momentum following the 2020 murders of Hannah Clarke and her three children by her estranged husband. The tragic case of Hannah Clarke and her three children, who were murdered by her estranged husband in 2020, served as a pivotal catalyst for these legislative reforms.



Hannah's story revealed how coercive control can escalate to lethal violence, even when physical abuse hadn't been the dominant pattern. Her case became a rallying cry for reform, with her parents Sue and Lloyd Clarke becoming tireless advocates for change.









Queensland is now the second state in Australia to criminalise coercive control, following New South Wales in 2024, with Queensland's laws carrying a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison for convicted perpetrators. NSW's laws came into effect on July 1, 2024, while South Australia has also passed legislation criminalising coercive control.



A national patchwork of progress



The ACT's announcement puts it in the middle of a national race to address coercive control. Other states and territories are watching closely and planning their own reforms, creating what some advocates describe as a patchwork of different approaches and timelines.



This variation matters for older Australians who might have family spread across different states, or who might be considering relocating for retirement or care needs. Understanding which protections exist where could become increasingly important.










What the ACT laws will cover



  • Current and former intimate partners

  • Family members (including adult children)

  • Informal carers

  • Patterns of behaviour designed to control or coerce

  • Both physical and non-physical abuse

  • Maximum penalties to be determined during consultation




The federal government has recognised this complexity, developing National Principles to Address Coercive Control in Family and Domestic Violence to create consistency across jurisdictions. The National Principles create a shared national understanding of coercive control, which is important for improving the safety of Australians, particularly women and children.



What this means for you and your family



If you're an older Australian, these legal changes represent more than just policy development—they're about recognising and addressing forms of abuse that can be particularly insidious in later life.



The signs of coercive control can be difficult to spot. Behaviours can be subtle and insidious, and individually targeted and tailored to the victim‑survivor. This is especially true for older adults, where control might be masked as 'care' or 'helping with decisions.'











Example Scenario


  1. Consider Margaret, whose adult son gradually took control of her finances 'to help her manage better.' He began monitoring her spending, preventing her from giving money to charities she'd supported for decades, and isolating her from friends by claiming they were 'taking advantage' of her generosity. Under the new laws, this pattern of financial and social control could constitute coercive control.





The legislation will also address situations where family members use children or grandchildren as tools of control, threatening to withdraw access or spread false allegations to maintain dominance over an older family member.



Getting help and support



While the ACT waits for its legislation to take effect, support services are already available for anyone experiencing coercive control. 1800RESPECT—National family, domestic and sexual violence support counselling service. This service is free and confidential. Available 24 hours, 7 days a week.



For older Australians specifically, the Australian Government has information about coercive control for older people, recognising that abuse in later life can have unique characteristics and challenges.









Did you know?


Did you know?
Healthcare professionals are often the first point of contact for people experiencing coercive control. The federal government has developed specific resources to help doctors, nurses, and other health workers recognise and respond to coercive control, making medical appointments potential turning points for getting help.



The ACT's move toward criminalising coercive control represents more than just catching up with other states—it's part of a fundamental shift in how Australia understands and responds to domestic violence. While the political debate over timing continues, the most important message for older Australians is that these behaviours are being recognised as serious crimes, and help is available now.



Whether the legislation arrives in late 2026 or sooner through opposition action, the conversation itself is changing lives. As Dr Paterson noted in her announcement: 'To those who have experienced it and those who are still living through it — you are not alone.'



What This Means For You



Support services:



1800 RESPECT (National helpline): 1800 737 732 (24/7)


Women's Crisis Line: 1800 811 811


Men's Referral Service: 1300 766 491


Lifeline (24 hour crisis line): 13 11 14


Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277


NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 656 463


Qld DV Connect Womensline: 1800 811 811


Vic Safe Steps crisis response line: 1800 015 188


ACT Domestic Violence Crisis Service (24/7): (02) 6280 0900


Tas Family Violence Counselling and Support Service: 1800 608 122


SA Domestic Violence Crisis Line: 1800 800 098


WA Women's Domestic Violence 24h Helpline: 1800 007 339


NT Domestic Violence Helpline: 1800 737 732



Emergency: 000





What are your thoughts on the ACT's timeline for these important protections? Have you or someone you know been affected by coercive control? Share your experiences and perspectives in the comments below.




  • Original Article


    https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09...-be-criminalised-in-act-by-mid-2026/105815184





  • Coercive control and the law | NSW Government

    Cited text: The NSW Domestic Violence Death Review Team found that in 97 per cent of intimate partner domestic violence homicides cases, the victim had experienced coerci...


    Excerpt: The NSW Domestic Violence Death Review Team found that in 97 per cent of intimate partner domestic violence homicides cases, the victim had experienced coercive and controlling behaviours



    https://www.nsw.gov.au/family-and-relationships/coercive-control/law





  • Coercive control laws | Need to know | Queensland Government

    Cited text: The criminal offence will carry a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment due to the serious nature of the offence and the harm coercive control can ...


    Excerpt: Queensland's new coercive control laws carry a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment due to the serious nature of the offence



    https://www.qld.gov.au/community/ge...o-know/coercive-control/coercive-control-laws





  • Coercive Control | Attorney-General's Department

    Cited text: Coercive control involves perpetrators using patterns of abusive behaviours over time in a way that creates fear and denies liberty and autonomy.


    Excerpt: Coercive control involves perpetrators using patterns of abusive behaviours over time in a way that creates fear and denies liberty and autonomy



    https://www.ag.gov.au/families-and-marriage/families/family-violence/coercive-control





  • More coercive control law changes in Queensland from May 2025

    Cited text: The tragic case of Hannah Clarke and her three children, who were murdered by her estranged husband in 2020, served as a pivotal catalyst for these le...


    Excerpt: The tragic case of Hannah Clarke and her three children, who were murdered by her estranged husband in 2020, served as a pivotal catalyst for these legislative reforms



    https://www.hallpayne.com.au/blog/2025/march/coercive-control-changes-may-2025/





  • Coercive Control Laws in Queensland 2025: What’s Changing and Why It Matters—PD Law

    Cited text: Queensland is now the second state in Australia to criminalise coercive control, following New South Wales in 2024.


    Excerpt: Queensland is now the second state in Australia to criminalise coercive control, following New South Wales in 2024



    https://pdlaw.com.au/coercive-control-laws-in-queensland/





  • Coercive control laws | Need to know | Queensland Government

    Cited text: From 26 May 2025, coercive control is a criminal offence in Queensland.


    Excerpt: Queensland's laws carrying a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison for convicted perpetrators



    https://www.qld.gov.au/community/ge...o-know/coercive-control/coercive-control-laws





  • Coercive control is now illegal in this state. Here's what it means | SBS News

    Cited text: In Queensland, the new laws apply to abusive behaviours that occur on or after 26 May 2025, and convicted perpetrators can face a maximum penalty of 1...


    Excerpt: Queensland's laws carrying a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison for convicted perpetrators



    https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article...l-in-this-state-heres-what-it-means/4478i0naj





  • Coercive control and the law | NSW Government

    Cited text: From 1 July 2024, coercive control is a criminal offence in NSW when a person uses abusive behaviours towards a current or former intimate partner wit...


    Excerpt: NSW's laws came into effect on July 1, 2024



    https://www.nsw.gov.au/family-and-relationships/coercive-control/law





  • South Australia passes coercive control laws | DHS

    Cited text: The South Australian Government has passed legislation criminalising coercive control.


    Excerpt: South Australia has also passed legislation criminalising coercive control



    https://dhs.sa.gov.au/news/2025/sa-passes-coercive-control-laws





  • Coercive Control Laws in Queensland 2025: What’s Changing and Why It Matters—PD Law

    Cited text: Other states and territories are watching closely and planning their own reforms.


    Excerpt: Other states and territories are watching closely and planning their own reforms



    https://pdlaw.com.au/coercive-control-laws-in-queensland/





  • Coercive Control | Attorney-General's Department

    Cited text: The government has collaborated with all state and territory governments to develop the National Principles to Address Coercive Control in Family and ...


    Excerpt: National Principles to Address Coercive Control in Family and Domestic Violence



    https://www.ag.gov.au/families-and-marriage/families/family-violence/coercive-control





  • Coercive Control | Attorney-General's Department

    Cited text: The National Principles create a shared national understanding of coercive control, which is important for improving the safety of Australians, partic...


    Excerpt: The National Principles create a shared national understanding of coercive control, which is important for improving the safety of Australians, particularly women and children



    https://www.ag.gov.au/families-and-marriage/families/family-violence/coercive-control





  • Coercive Control | Attorney-General's Department

    Cited text: The signs of coercive control can be difficult to spot.


    Excerpt: The signs of coercive control can be difficult to spot. Behaviours can be subtle and insidious, and individually targeted and tailored to the victim‑survivor



    https://www.ag.gov.au/families-and-marriage/families/family-violence/coercive-control





  • Coercive Control | Attorney-General's Department

    Cited text: Behaviours can be subtle and insidious, and individually targeted and tailored to the victim‑survivor.


    Excerpt: The signs of coercive control can be difficult to spot. Behaviours can be subtle and insidious, and individually targeted and tailored to the victim‑survivor



    https://www.ag.gov.au/families-and-marriage/families/family-violence/coercive-control





  • Coercive Control | Attorney-General's Department

    Cited text: If you, or someone you know, need help, the following services are available: 1800RESPECT—National family, domestic and sexual violence support coun...


    Excerpt: 1800RESPECT—National family, domestic and sexual violence support counselling service.



    https://www.ag.gov.au/families-and-marriage/families/family-violence/coercive-control





  • Coercive control—ACT Government

    Cited text: Australian Government coercive control resources The Australian Government has information about coercive control for: people with disability, LGBTIQA...


    Excerpt: the Australian Government has information about coercive control for older people



    https://www.act.gov.au/law-and-justice/coercive-control



Last edited:

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Maybe the Government should look at themselves! We are all becoming under coercive control...from them.
 
:ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO: Good one Charlie52 .. you are so right.
 
And the governments did not use coercive control during the Covid scam.... YES THEY BLOODY DID, OVER AND OVER AGAIN.... Is this why they want to delay bringing in some new law... Remember both State and Federal governments have been totally illegal since 1973 along with every election and any law/ruling ect has also been ilegall. Dont believe me thats fine just ask yourself if you voted in a referendum to remove the Queen of England from our 1900/1901 constitution and replace her with a "Paper" Queen of Australia. NO YOU DID NOT but it was done anyway by Gough Whitlam and Bob Hawke.... So to participate in any Election or abide by any law or regulation is to BREAK THE LAW.
 
I know one Mum who suffered a few instances of physical abuse when the guy was drunk before she forced him to move out. He had never contibuted to cost of property or food.
 
And the governments did not use coercive control during the Covid scam.... YES THEY BLOODY DID, OVER AND OVER AGAIN.... Is this why they want to delay bringing in some new law... Remember both State and Federal governments have been totally illegal since 1973 along with every election and any law/ruling ect has also been ilegall. Dont believe me thats fine just ask yourself if you voted in a referendum to remove the Queen of England from our 1900/1901 constitution and replace her with a "Paper" Queen of Australia. NO YOU DID NOT but it was done anyway by Gough Whitlam and Bob Hawke.... So to participate in any Election or abide by any law or regulation is to BREAK THE LAW.
Yes you are right. What happened during Covid was also a crime against humanity.

I fail to see how a person being taken for granted by their child would be in a position to report it. Is this just going to be another defunct government department?
 
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My daughter was cut off from us, police found where she was living only to be told by her abuser. She was hiding from me as l abused her. He had taken her interstate. Police believed him, told me she said 'didn't want to speak to me.' (They didn't see her). It was 7 years till she could get away. He had beaten her ,smashed her teeth and jaw. Broken her glasses, so she had limited sight. Broken ribs and arms . Never taken to hospital. Took her phone away, wouldn't let her out except to shop with his father ( who would report to him). One shop assistant seeing she had black eyes and bruises. Didn't ask 'are you alright' She asked' Do you need help' she whispered to her to go to nearby toilets and wait. She told his father she needed loo.
He waited outside, police arrived and arrested him and than his son. They put her in women's refuge. She was able to contact us. . It was horrible never knowing if she was dead or alive.
That was 10 years ago now. She has a lovely partner. Lives in WA now, we are Qld. Just had a great visit from them.
Her abuser got 3 years. Big deal.
She has had 4 surgeries on jaw now got top teeth and one more op on bottom and than new teeth in.
Couldn't have children cause of beatings she had to have it removed and her lower intestine removed. 3 bloody years.
 
Maybe the Government should look at themselves! We are all becoming under coercive control...from them.
You need a tin foil hat!
 
And the governments did not use coercive control during the Covid scam.... YES THEY BLOODY DID, OVER AND OVER AGAIN.... Is this why they want to delay bringing in some new law... Remember both State and Federal governments have been totally illegal since 1973 along with every election and any law/ruling ect has also been ilegall. Dont believe me thats fine just ask yourself if you voted in a referendum to remove the Queen of England from our 1900/1901 constitution and replace her with a "Paper" Queen of Australia. NO YOU DID NOT but it was done anyway by Gough Whitlam and Bob Hawke.... So to participate in any Election or abide by any law or regulation is to BREAK THE LAW.
Are you related to Desi Freeman?
 
Yes you are right. What happened during Covid was also a crime against humanity.

I fail to see how a person being taken for granted by their child would be in a position to report it. Is this just going to be another defunct government department?
Are you sure you have the right sized tin foil hat?
 
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Coercive control takes many forms and builds up over time so that sometimes you don’t realise it's happening.

My husband had a problem with jealousy. We hadn't been married long when he was upset because I spoke to the young guys next door. They actually waved and I said "hi guys". They were in their late teens, early twenties. I was 47 at the time. I was accused of "fancying the young ones".
If I was "late home" he would be out looking for me. Even from a hospital appointment, where you have no control over what time you get seen, no matter what time your appointment was.
If I was going somewhere I would be told what time to be home.
Looking back I realise that I enabled this behaviour, I guess. for the sake of peace and quiet.
I was visiting my son and family one day
when I mentioned I'd better get going or I'd be late. My son said "For heaven's sake Mum, late for f***ing what??
So I stayed and got home "very late".
Before my husband could start I told him in no uncertain terms that from now on I would be living my life under my rules and he could cop it ir move out. His choice. And that's what I did,
Of course he sulked but gave up on that also, after a while, when I just took no notice.
This happened only about 12 months before he passed away. I should have done it years before.
 
Coercive control takes many forms and builds up over time so that sometimes you don’t realise it's happening.

My husband had a problem with jealousy. We hadn't been married long when he was upset because I spoke to the young guys next door. They actually waved and I said "hi guys". They were in their late teens, early twenties. I was 47 at the time. I was accused of "fancying the young ones".
If I was "late home" he would be out looking for me. Even from a hospital appointment, where you have no control over what time you get seen, no matter what time your appointment was.
If I was going somewhere I would be told what time to be home.
Looking back I realise that I enabled this behaviour, I guess. for the sake of peace and quiet.
I was visiting my son and family one day
when I mentioned I'd better get going or I'd be late. My son said "For heaven's sake Mum, late for f***ing what??
So I stayed and got home "very late".
Before my husband could start I told him in no uncertain terms that from now on I would be living my life under my rules and he could cop it ir move out. His choice. And that's what I did,
Of course he sulked but gave up on that also, after a while, when I just took no notice.
This happened only about 12 months before he passed away. I should have done it years before.
Good for you. I know exactly what that jealousy is like. Even my best friend (female) that I had known since schooldays, was considered a threat! And it would have been very easy just to give in to this oppression. I didn't. I put my foot down. Even so, it was necessary to be vigilant, always.
 
My daughter was cut off from us, police found where she was living only to be told by her abuser. She was hiding from me as l abused her. He had taken her interstate. Police believed him, told me she said 'didn't want to speak to me.' (They didn't see her). It was 7 years till she could get away. He had beaten her ,smashed her teeth and jaw. Broken her glasses, so she had limited sight. Broken ribs and arms . Never taken to hospital. Took her phone away, wouldn't let her out except to shop with his father ( who would report to him). One shop assistant seeing she had black eyes and bruises. Didn't ask 'are you alright' She asked' Do you need help' she whispered to her to go to nearby toilets and wait. She told his father she needed loo.
He waited outside, police arrived and arrested him and than his son. They put her in women's refuge. She was able to contact us. . It was horrible never knowing if she was dead or alive.
That was 10 years ago now. She has a lovely partner. Lives in WA now, we are Qld. Just had a great visit from them.
Her abuser got 3 years. Big deal.
She has had 4 surgeries on jaw now got top teeth and one more op on bottom and than new teeth in.
Couldn't have children cause of beatings she had to have it removed and her lower intestine removed. 3 bloody years.
Boy that’s a shocking thing to happen to your daughter glad to hear she’s now ok the mental scars probably never go away take care.
 
Boy that’s a shocking thing to happen to your daughter glad to hear she’s now ok the mental scars probably never go away take care.
OMG, What a terrible thing to happen to your daughter. Also what a terrible ordeal for you.
Thank God for that shop assistant's quick thinking . One would like to think that the police would have enough brains to ask to speak to your daughter personally.
Complete dereliction of duty of care. How much actual training do police get in dealing with these situations. One wonders.
 
Maybe the Government should look at themselves! We are all becoming under coercive control...from them.
I just thought about it too.
 
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I didn't see a MEN'S Crisis Line on the list of available services.

I wonder why.
 
:ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO: Good one Charlie52 .. you are so right.
wait til you get a pension..then you will see coercive control..centrelink staff confuse pension with welfare and expect us to live in the poverty line, not withstanding we have PAID into to it up the late .eighties when they absorbed it (social security contributions)into the tax deductions from our wages prior to then the deduction was listed as a seperate deduction on our payslips.Although Centrelink regards as welfare recipients they cant tell the difference between pension and welfare, one was paid into the other is charity. People who worked after the war had tax taken out of their wages AND social security (for the pension) taken out of the ir wages (later silently absorbed into the tax).....not removed , absorbed..whats ehe difference between pension and welfare???
 
If the act has been passed, then it should take immediate effect. Not in another possible nine months bloody time
 
If the act has been passed, then it should take immediate effect. Not in another possible nine months bloody time
Nine months?

The average gestational period of the human female.

Coincidence?
 
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