Coercive control
Part of the Crime topic
Understand what coercive control is, and what you must do and cannot do to follow the law in Queensland.
In short
Coercive control is when an adult uses abusive behaviour with the intention to control or coerce another person. It is illegal in Queensland.
This criminal offence captures patterns of physical and/or non-physical abuse used to hurt, humiliate, isolate, frighten or threaten a victim-survivor.
There are legal consequences for engaging in coercive control, including severe penalties and a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.This page provides a summary of Queensland's coercive control laws. It's not exhaustive and should not be considered legal advice. Consult with a qualified legal professional for comprehensive information or matter-specific advice.
You must
To comply with the law in Queensland you must:
- report concerns about coercive control to police
- comply with protection (domestic violence) orders and police protection notices
- treat a current or former intimate partners, family members or carers with respect.
You cannot
To comply with the law in Queensland you cannot:
- intimidate, abuse or harm a victim-survivor named in a protection (domestic violence) order or police protection notice on behalf of a respondent (the person using violence)
- use abusive behaviours or language to control a current or former intimate partners, family members or carers
- repeat conduct with the intent to control or coerce another person
- hire third parties, such as private investigators, to locate or monitor a victim-survivor named in a protection (domestic violence) order or police protection notice.