New South Wales has taken a landmark step in addressing domestic abuse. On July 1,
2024, the state became the first in Australia to
criminalise coercive control. The Crimes Legislation
Amendment (Coercive Control) Act 2022, passed in November
2022, introduces a standalone offense targeting patterns of abuse
in intimate relationships.
Domestic Violence in NSW
New data from Legal Aid NSW's Domestic Violence Unit
(DVU) reveals a 36% increase in calls to its hotline over the past
two years. Meanwhile, duty lawyer services, legal advice provided
in court, have surged by 61%. Specifically, duty lawyer services
for ADVOs have risen by 25%.
What is Coercive Control?
Coercive control refers to a repeated pattern of abusive
behaviour. This behaviour aims to dominate, isolate, or control a
partner. It often involves psychological, emotional, or financial
abuse. Unlike physical violence, it operates subtly but devastates
victims' lives.
