Key Takeaways

• Queensland criminalises coercive control from 26 May 2025, under “Hannah’s Law”.
• Coercive control offences carry up to 14 years’ imprisonment.
• Aiding a perpetrator to breach domestic violence orders is also now a crime.
• The law targets patterns of controlling, intimidating, and isolating behaviour.
• Aims to strengthen protection and recognise the serious impact of non-physical abuse.

On 26 May 2025, Queensland had a significant legal and social step forward with the criminalisation of coercive control. This followed the passing and enactment of the Criminal Law (Coercive Control and Affirmative Consent) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 (Qld).

The new law acknowledges the seriousness of ongoing psychological and emotional abuse that, while often less visible than physical violence, can have a devastating impact on victims.

 

The Catalyst: A Tragic Reminder 

The legislative reform was heavily influenced by the tragic deaths of Hannah Clarke and her three children in 2020, who were killed by Hannah’s former partner. Their story brought national attention to the insidious nature of coercive control and the urgent need for change.

 

What is Coercive Control? 

Coercive control refers to a pattern of abusive behaviours used to dominate, intimidate, isolate, or manipulate a partner, family member, or unpaid carer. These behaviours may not involve physical violence, but they are designed to strip away a person's independence and sense of safety.

Examples of coercive control include:

• Constantly monitoring someone’s movements or communications;
• Isolating them from friends and family;
• Controlling access to money or essential resources;
• Threatening, humiliating, or intimidating behaviour;
• Sexual coercion or cyberstalking;
• Constant belittling or criticism;
• Threats to harm oneself or others;
• Creating an ongoing fear of the partner’s reactions;

The aim of such behaviour is to take away a person’s independence, making it harder for them to leave or seek help.

 

Coercive Control Under Section 334C of the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld) 

Under the new law, it's now a criminal offence to engage in coercive control. This includes abuse towards a current or former intimate partner, family member, or informal carer with the aim to control or coerce them.

A conviction for coercive control under the new law carries a maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment, reflecting the serious and harmful nature of this pattern of abuse.

To be found guilty, the Court must be satisfied that:

1. A domestic relationship exists between the person and the victim;
2. There’s a pattern of behaviour, not just a single act. The abuse must have occurred on more than one occasion;
3. There’s intent to coerce or control the victim. However, it does not need to be proven that every individual act, in isolation, was intended to coerce;
4. The conduct, in all the circumstances, is reasonably likely to cause harm, which includes physical, emotional, financial, psychological, or mental harm; and
5. The conduct must have occurred on or after 26 May 2025, the date the law came into effect.

It’s important to note that behaviour before 26 May 2025 cannot be prosecuted under this offence. However, other legal options remain available to help victims seek protection, such as applying for a Domestic Violence Order.

If you believe that you have been a victim of coercive control and/or domestic violence, it’s vital you take steps to protect yourself (and your children, if applicable). Our team is here to guide and support you through that process.

 

Aiding A Perpetrator is Now Also a Crime: Section 179A of the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld) 

Another significant change was introduced under “Hannah’s Law”, which makes it a criminal offence for an adult to knowingly assist a perpetrator of domestic violence. Under this rule, any person who helps a known Respondent to breach a domestic violence order or police protection notice now faces up to three years’ imprisonment. This includes helping them breach or avoid orders, or acting on release conditions. This legislation also extends to private investigators that may be engaged by a Respondent, to assist in locating a victim.

This legislative change is a crucial step in closing loopholes that have previously been used by perpetrators to continue their abusive behaviour through third parties. By criminalising this form of complicity, the law aims to remove third parties that may aid a perpetrator, that enables ongoing coercion, control, or violence.

 

Why Coercive Control Needs Hannah’s Law 

This legislation reflects a growing recognition that control and fear are at the heart of domestic violence, even when physical violence is not present. It gives law enforcement and the courts stronger tools to address abuse that has too often gone undetected or unpunished.

While the law cannot undo past harm or prevent all future instances of coercive control, it’s an important step forward. It sends a clear message that controlling, manipulative, and psychologically abusive behaviour is not only unacceptable, it’s criminal.

 

If You’ve Faced Coercive Control, You Are Not Alone 

We understand that reaching out can feel overwhelming or even frightening, but please know that you don’t have to face this alone. Our team is here to assist you by providing legal guidance with compassion, respect, and confidentiality.

If you believe you or someone you know is experiencing or has experienced coercive control, we strongly encourage you to:

• Contact the Queensland Police Service for immediate safety concerns.
• Reach out to our team of experienced family law and domestic violence lawyers. We can help you understand your legal options and work with you to take steps toward safety and protection.
• Contact DV Connect, who can assist with referrals, safety planning, crisis counselling, emergency transport, crisis accommodation and more.
  • For the Women’s helpline, call 1800 811 811
  • For the Men’s helpline, call 1800 600 636.