Coercive control is insidious, harmful and not completely understood by law makers, law enforcement and even victims.
There has been talk recently that there is a clear ‘gap’ in legislation pertaining to family violence which does not specifically address coercive control, and leaves many victims remaining in a relationship characterised by family violence. Coercive control is characterised by such things as controlling what someone wears, where they go, withholding finances and tracking a person’s location to name a few.
The Proposed Laws
Attorney General Mark Speakman has said that under proposed laws victims will gain further protections targeting these abusive, repetitive behaviors. The proposed legislation will focus on a course of conduct rather than specific episodes of perpetrator behavior. The legislation will establish a stand-alone offence, which is punishable by up to seven years imprisonment.
The proposed new laws are important, as from the research, we know that in 99% of intimate partner homicides in the years between 2008 and 2016, coercive controlling behavior was a factor.
It is important when considering the form of the legislation, that all potential issues are canvassed to ensure the legislation protects all victims as intended. Consultation on the draft bill closed on 31 August 2022, with the intention to introduce the final bill in the latter period of 2022.
If you are experiencing coercive and controlling behaviour, contact us. We’re here when you need us.
