As at 26 May 2025, Coercive Control became a criminal offence in Queensland. In response to the tragic deaths of Hannah Clarke and her three children and their story, the Queensland government set out to look into the issue of domestic violence and explore legal changes.  

In early 2024, the Queensland government passed what is known to be ‘Hannah’s Law’ officially called the Criminal Law (Coercive Control and Affirmative Consent) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024.

The criminal offence will carry a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment due to the serious nature of the offence and the harm coercive control can cause victims.

The offence criminalises conduct of an adult where:

• the person is in a domestic relationship with another person (which encompasses past and present intimate partner relationships, wider family relationships and informal care relationships);
• the person engages in a course of conduct against the other person that consists of domestic violence occurring on more than 1 occasion;
• the person intends the course of conduct to coerce or control the other person; and
• the course of conduct would, in all the circumstances, be reasonably likely to cause the other person harm (any detrimental effect on the person’s physical, emotional, financial, psychological or mental wellbeing, whether temporary or permanent).

Only persons over the age of 18 can be charged with the coercive and control offence. This does not mean that persons under the age of 18 cannot commit the same behaviour, however, it would not be dealt with under this new offence.

What is deemed to be Coercive Control?

Coercive Control is a type of abuse where one person uses ongoing behaviour to control or dominate another. It’s not always physical, it can be about creating fear, pressure, and emotional manipulation.

Some examples include:

• Constant jealousy and accusing you of cheating
• Cutting you off from family and friends
• Tracking your movements or checking your phone
• Controlling your money, health choices, or what you wear
• Making you feel crazy or guilty (gaslighting)
• Threatening your children or pets
• Putting you down with insults or name-calling
• Controlling your sex life or body

You don’t have to experience all of the above behaviours to be a victim of coercive control – even one or a few of them can be serious.

How can it affect you?

The negative impacts of Coercive Control can be physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, cultural, social and financial or a contribution of these.  A person’s self-esteem and confidence may have been slowly worn down by repeated abuse, making it difficult to leave a relationship or get help.

Many people feel trapped and unsure of where to turn. It’s important to know that help is available, and no one should go through this alone.

Need Help or Know Someone Who Does?

If you think you or someone you care about might be experiencing Coercive Control or any kind of abuse, please talk to someone you trust. Coercive control is often a warning sign before more serious violence happens, including intimate partner homicide.

You can get confidential help from these services:

• DVConnect Women’s Line – 1800 811 811
• DVConnect Men’s Line – 1800 600 636
• RESPECT (National Helpline) – 1800 737 732
• Lifeline (Mental Health Support) – 13 11 14