Queensland Takes Legal Action Against Coercive Control: Criminalises Insidious, Abusive, and Deadly Behavior
Hannah Clarke’s tragic story has sparked a movement against domestic violence in Australia, resulting in the implementation of new laws in the state.
“Call the police; he’s going to kill me. He’s poured petrol on me.”
These haunting words were spoken by Hannah Clarke on the day her ex-partner killed her and their three children in 2020, using petrol to set their car on fire after subjecting them to years of abuse.
Four years later, Queensland has taken action, becoming the second state in Australia to criminalise coercive control.
The new law establishes a separate offense for this form of abuse, with a maximum sentence of 14 years for individuals found guilty of manipulative behavior aimed at intimidating and isolating a victim, as was the case with Ms. Clarke.
Coercive control has been linked to numerous murders resulting from prolonged abuse, where victims endure cycles of emotional, psychological, and financial abuse, along with isolation, intimidation, sexual coercion, and cyberstalking.
Ms. Clarke’s ex-partner, Rowan Baxter, exerted control over every aspect of her life, dictating her clothing choices, food intake, access to medical care, and social media usage, even going as far as stalking her online.
He prohibited her from wearing certain clothes and restricted her social media presence, showcasing the extreme level of control he wielded over her life.
Hannah Clarke’s mother, Sue Clarke, expressed relief at Queensland’s decision to address coercive control, a move that came as a result of her daughter’s tragic death.
Recognizing the significance of spreading awareness about coercive control, Ms. Clarke emphasized the importance of educating people to identify signs of this type of abuse.
The adoption of this historic law was also commended by the family of Allison Baden-Clay, who fell victim to domestic violence in 2012.
Coercive Control: A Key Factor in Domestic Violence Murders
Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman commended the efforts of the Clarke and Baden-Clay families in advocating for change, attributing the new law to their persistent advocacy.
The legislation, expected to take effect by mid-2025, signifies a shift in understanding domestic and family violence, with specific changes aimed at enhancing the experience of sexual offense victims seeking justice.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles highlighted the dangerous impact of coercive control, labeling it a leading cause of domestic violence-related fatalities.
Queensland now joins New South Wales as the only states in Australia with laws against coercive control, with thorough training for Queensland Police officers commencing in July 2024.
Furthermore, the new reforms include a model of consent requiring clear agreement, ensuring that individuals participate in sexual activities willingly and freely.
About 2.3 million women and 1.3 million men in Australia have experienced coercive control, emphasizing the prevalence of this form of abuse in various gender dynamics.
Challenges in Enforcing Coercive Control Laws
Defining and addressing coercive control present challenges, as recent findings suggest this behavior doesn’t always predict future violence or harm.
However, there is ongoing debate and concerns about defining the boundaries of coercive control, as it encompasses various forms of abuse and manipulation.
While the introduction of laws against coercive control is a significant step forward, there are complexities related to enforcement and accurate identification of this form of abuse.
Efforts to combat coercive control are essential, and continued advocacy and education are key in creating a safer environment for all individuals affected by domestic violence.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, reach out to helplines such as 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline (13 11 14) for support and guidance.
