Coercive control laws, penalties and defences in NSW

Coercive Control Laws NSW

Coercive control is a pattern of abusive behaviours used to dominate and control an intimate partner, often without physical violence. Recognising its detrimental impact, New South Wales (NSW) has recently criminalised this type of domestic violence.

Coercive Control Legislation NSW

In November 2022, the NSW Parliament passed the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Coercive Control) Act 2022, introducing a specific offence targeting coercive and controlling behaviours within intimate partner relationships. This legislation, effective from July 1, 2024, criminalizes patterns of behaviour aimed at coercing or controlling a current or former intimate partner.