Do you believe that everyone deserves to be safe at home?

Bruises, injuries, and beatings DON’T predict murders very well, coercive control behaviours DO.

In an analysis of 112 family violence homicides (2000-2019), coercive and controlling behaviour was present in all of them.

Coercive control laws address a pattern of abusive behaviours. Coercive control is a criminal offence that captures patterns of physical and/or non-physical abuse used to hurt, humiliate, isolate, frighten, or threaten a victim-survivor.

Tasmania was the first state to criminalise aspects of coercive control under its Family Violence Act 2004. In NSW, coercive control became a criminal offence in 2023, with penalties of up to seven years in prison. From 26 May 2025, coercive control is a criminal offence in Queensland. Victoria’s domestic violence legislation doesn’t reference coercive control behaviours (yet), and other states are still exploring options for legislation.

The longer we wait, the more people die. This legislation is a critical step, but it’s only part of the solution. You can be part of the solution by raising awareness, supporting victim-survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable. Listen to the way others speak. Say something (if it’s safe to do so). Believe victim-survivors.

Alarming statistics:

• Over 2.3 million women and 1.3 million men in Australia have experienced abuse by a romantic partner.
• Every 9 days, a woman in Australia is murdered through domestic and family violence.
• Countless thousands face the impossible choice between returning to a violent home, where they could die, or becoming homeless and destitute.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please seek or encourage access to support services, you can call DV Connect on 1800 811 811 or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or access information and referrals at Services Australia.

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