Coercive control
And the law - What are the signs - Get help
Coercive control and the law
NSW
From 1 July 2024, coercive control is a criminal offence in NSW when a person uses abusive behaviours towards a current or former intimate partner with the intention to coerce or control them.
The criminal offence captures repeated patterns of physical or non-physical abuse used to hurt, scare, intimidate, threaten or control someone. The law only applies to abusive behaviour that happens after 1 July 2024.
Find out more about the NSW Government actions on criminalising coercive control.
Read the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Coercive Control) Act 2022.
ACT
In the Australian Capital Territory many aspects of coercive control our outlawed under the territories’ more general family violence acts. But the attorney-general has agreed to now act to criminalise this behaviour, so we should see more changes in the future.
Coercive control -What is it?
What are the signs?
Coercive control can be hard to spot because it often starts slowly or builds up over time.
Coercive and controlling behaviours can be subtle, and the abuser often tries to hide what they are doing from others.
Know the signs of abuse.
Click on the button to view a NSW Gov video on the signs of coercive control. For further information click on the NSW Gov link below.
Get Help!
No one deserves to experience abuse. If you’re experiencing coercive control, want to support someone else, or you’re hurting someone you care about – there is help available.
If you're in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000) and ask for Police.
If you are experiencing coercive control.
Contact 1800RESPECT by calling 1800 737 732, texting 0458 737 732, or using the online chat. Video call is also available via the website from to 9am to 5pm AEST, Monday to Friday (except national public holidays). No appointment needed.
1800RESPECT can:
listen to you
talk about ways to keep you safe
talk through options and help you decide what information, people or services will be most helpful
make referrals and connect you with the right services.
If you are supporting someone else.
Contact 1800RESPECT by calling 1800 737 732, texting 0458 737 732, or using the online chat. Video call is also available via the website from to 9am to 5pm AEST, Monday to Friday (except national public holidays). No appointment needed.
1800RESPECT can:
provide advice and support if you are worried someone you know might be experiencing coercive control
talk through options and help you make a plan about how to support someone you care about
provide information and advice about different support services in your area.
If you are worried about your behaviour.
Contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 to speak to a trained professional. Available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
The Men’s Referral Service can:
listen to you
provide advice and support
talk through options and help you decide what steps you want to take next
make referrals and connect you with the right support services in your area.
This is a free and confidential service. You can remain anonymous.
Specialist help services
Specialist help services are available if you are: younger, older, aboriginal, from a multicultural background, LGBTQIA+, are living with a disability.
For further information on help services