Coercive control is a pattern of behaviours used to frighten, isolate or dominate a person in a relationship. It is not one incident. It is ongoing behaviour that takes away a person’s freedom, safety and independence.

From 26 May 2025, coercive control is a criminal offence in Queensland. The maximum penalty is 14 years imprisonment.

How Coercive Control Works

A person uses coercive control to create fear and dependence. The behaviour is repeated and targeted. It is used to limit choices, reduce contact with others and take away a person’s autonomy.

Coercive control can cause emotional, psychological, cultural, financial or physical harm.

Examples of Coercive Control

• Monitoring where you go and who you speak to
• Controlling money or taking your income
• Threatening to take the children
• Threatening deportation or visa cancellation
• Isolating you from family, friends and community
• Humiliating, insulting or degrading you
• Intimidating you
• Damaging your property
• Using technology to track or watch you
• Pressuring you into sexual activity
• Making you feel unsafe in your own home

What the Law Says

Coercive control is a crime when:
• the behaviour happens more than once
• the behaviour is intended to coerce or control
• the behaviour is likely to cause harm
• the people involved are in a domestic relationship

Why It Matters

Coercive control helps explain how abuse operates even when there is no physical violence. It shows how patterns of behaviour can trap a person in fear and make it hard to seek help. Recognising these behaviours supports safety, rights and access to protection.

More Information

For more information, visit the Queensland Government website: