Queensland will be the second state in Australia to make coercive control a stand alone criminal offence.
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00:00 There's national agreement by governments across the country that coercive control is
00:07 abusive behaviour that creates fear and takes away a person's freedom.
00:12 But the approach by law varies from state to state.
00:16 In Queensland it will soon be a stand-alone criminal offence with a maximum 14-year prison
00:22 term.
00:23 The penalty in New South Wales is up to seven years jail.
00:26 Tasmanian legislation singles out some coercive behaviours, while Western Australia is in
00:32 the early stages of consultation.
00:35 To be convicted of coercive control in Queensland, you must be an adult and in a domestic relationship
00:41 with another person.
00:43 It's conduct that consists of domestic violence and occurs more than once.
00:48 It would likely cause the other person harm.
00:51 And it's not only physical, it could be emotional, financial or psychological.
00:56 The harm could be temporary or permanent.
00:59 Some examples may be preventing someone from getting a job, isolating them from their family
01:05 or friends, following someone or repeatedly phoning, texting or emailing them.
01:11 Coercive control is considered the biggest predicting factor in intimate partner homicide.
01:17 It will become an offence in Queensland in 2025.
01:21 And if you or someone you know needs help, please phone 1800RESPECT.
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