Landmark coercive control laws commenced in Queensland on 26 May 2025 to better protect victim-survivors of coercive behaviours. Now that it’s been in place for over a year, it’s worth looking at what the impact of the law has been and the effect on Sunshine Coast families.
Key takeaways
26 May 2025 changes in Domestic and family violence laws
A new offence has been added to the Criminal Law (Coercive Control and Affirmative Consent) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024, under Section 334C. It has come to be known as ‘Hannah’s Law’, after the tragic death of Hannah Clarke and her children. The reforms recognise the detrimental effect of coercive control and domestic violence more broadly, which can be a dangerous precursor to physical harm.The new law made it a separate criminal offence in Queensland to use coercive behaviours to attempt to control:
A current or previous intimate partner.
A family member.
An informal (unpaid) carer.
What counts as coercive control under section 334C?
The coercive control offence covers any physical or non-physical actions that are designed to threaten, isolate, humiliate, or frighten a victim-survivor. The criminal offence applies when::
A person engages in a course of conduct that constitutes domestic violence on more than one occasion. The behaviour creates a cumulative effect.
The person intends the conduct to coerce or control the victim-survivor.
The conduct is likely to temporarily or permanently cause harm across various forms of abusive behaviour, including:
Financial abuse.
Psychological abuse.
Physical abuse.
Mental or emotional abuse.
Common tactics of coercive control include social isolation, financial abuse, digital surveillance, gaslighting, intimidation and threats, and restricting a victim-survivor’s autonomy. These behaviours often operate through fear and can have a lasting impact on a victim-survivor’s mental wellbeing.
A second offence was introduced on 26 May 2025 in connection with ‘Hannah’s Law’. It covers situations where another person harms the victim-survivor using domestic violence on behalf of the respondent. It’s designed to prevent third parties from intimidating people named in a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) or police protection notice (PPN). The law also makes it illegal to hire a third party, such as a private investigator, to monitor a victim-survivor named in a DVO or PPN.
Coercive control law penalties
The criminal justice system imposes severe maximum penalties on domestic violence perpetrators convicted under the new coercive control legislation. The criminal offence carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison, reflecting the serious nature of this pattern of abuse.
Third parties convicted under the secondary legislation can face up to 3 years’ imprisonment, or a fine of 120 penalty units ($20,724 as of 1 July 2026). Private investigators found guilty may face a fine of 240 penalty units ($41,448) or 5 years’ imprisonment. They’ll also be barred from holding a security licence.
Where the law stands 12 months on
Queensland’s coercive control laws seem to have had mixed results. The commencement date was set to allow time for police training and community education before the offence took effect. Reporting by ABC News suggests that the laws have come with some difficulties, such as:
Legal professionals say that a pattern of controlling behaviour can be difficult to prove. The police don’t want to conflate normal domestic relationship issues with domestic abuse.
The new laws are not retrospective. They only apply to behaviours that occurred on or after 26 May 2025, which can make it harder to prove a historical pattern of abuse.
The Queensland Police Union have reported a lack of resources available to enforce the law.
327 offences were recorded between May 2025 and March 2026. However, up-to-date data is difficult to access.
However, frontline support services have reported an increase in people identifying as perpetrators and coming forward to seek help.
What it means for separated families on the Sunshine Coast
It’s important that people experiencing coercive control don’t lose hope about their search for justice. Here are some tips that may help you strengthen your case:
Keep a diary of incidents as they occur. Include details of all the circumstances, like dates and a description of what happened.
Maintain a record of communication, such as text messages, social media posts, and voicemails.
Confide in people you can trust who may be able to attest to behaviour they witnessed.
Seek medical attention for physical or psychological support. Medical records may help demonstrate the impact of the behaviour over time.
Report incidents to the Queensland Police Service, who may issue a police protection notice or help you apply for a protection order.
Conclusion
The new legislation targets a pattern of behaviour aimed at controlling an intimate partner. Severe penalties may be applied to anyone convicted, but the law’s impact isn’t quite clear yet. The level of evidence required is high, and police officers may not have the resources needed to enforce the law. However, there may be signs that perpetrators have become more willing to come forward. If you believe you’re suffering from coercive control, there may be ways to bolster your case.
Do you have domestic violence concerns?
While Shanahan Family Law doesn’t handle criminal law, we may support clients with domestic violence concerns in the course of a family law matter. Contact us today for a free discovery call.
If you’re a victim of domestic or family violence, there are support services available:
DVConnect womensline: 1800 811 811 (available 24/7)
DVConnect mensline: 1800 600 636 (available from 9 am to midnight, 7 days a week)
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 (available 24/7)
If you’re in immediate danger, contact the police on 000.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only. It is not legal advice. Outcomes depend on your circumstances. You should speak with a lawyer before making decisions about your matter.
