The families of domestic violence victims have hailed a new ruling that makes coercive control a criminal offense by the end of 2023 in Queensland.
Following extensive inquiries into the deaths of victims of domestic violence relationships, the laws surrounding domestic violence are set to become harsher.
Coercive control is a pattern of manipulating and controlling behaviour within a relationship. It extends to any form of ongoing control by a partner with the intention of manipulating that partner in some form. It has not previously been recognised by domestic violence laws but has always been an ongoing issue for many domestic violence victims.
In coercive control, often a victim is isolated from their loved ones, their activity is monitored and controlled, their finances are controlled, threats are used, intimidation is used, and emotional or psychological abuse is perpetrated.
Under the new coercive control laws, people who repeatedly subject their spouse or partner to physical, sexual, psychological, or financial abuse may face jail time of up to 7 years.
Law enforcement and other government bodies will undergo extensive training to ensure they can identify and properly investigate acts of coercive control. This will ensure that the new laws are successful in protecting domestic violence victims.
Responding to domestic violence will be trialled by police in conjunction with specialist services.
If you are experiencing domestic violence within your household or know of someone who is, we urge you to seek help today. This is the first step to taking back control of your life or helping a loved one to do so.
To learn more read the 9News article here.
