In a historic move to combat domestic abuse, the state of Queensland in Australia has officially criminalised coercive control — a pattern of controlling and abusive behaviour that often precedes domestic homicide. The legislation, known as Hannah’s Law, came into effect on May 26, 2025, and carries a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment.
Named in honour of Hannah Clarke and her three children, who were murdered by her estranged husband in 2020, the law marks a turning point in how Australia responds to non-physical domestic violence. Hannah’s death, which shocked the nation, has since become a symbol of the silent suffering many endure behind closed doors.
Lloyd Clarke, Hannah’s father, said it was vital to recognize the many sacrifices made throughout the journey — not just by his family — as those efforts have made it possible to hold future abusers accountable.
What Is Coercive Control?
Coercive control refers to repeated abusive behaviours — emotional, psychological, financial, or technological — intended to dominate, isolate, or instil fear in a partner. Under the new Queensland law, these behaviours are now officially recognised as a serious criminal offense when used in the context of domestic relationships.
Nadia Bromley, CEO of Women’s Legal Service Queensland, emphasized the significance of this shift: “For a long time, we’ve known that coercive control underpins a lot of domestic family violence,” she said [via SBS]. “This change today is about recognising that coercive control is a very serious form of domestic violence.”
While coercive control does not always involve physical violence, its effects can be equally, if not more, devastating. Victims often experience long-term trauma, anxiety, depression — and in too many cases, the abuse ends in homicide. A review in New South Wales found that 97 percent of intimate partner homicides were preceded by coercive control.
A Global Shift Against Invisible Abuse
As Queensland joins New South Wales in criminalising coercive control, the push for legal reform is gaining traction globally. The United Kingdom and Ireland have already made coercive control a criminal offense, recognising that controlling behaviours can be deadly even in the absence of physical violence.
New South Wales was the first Australian state to pass coercive control legislation, with the law taking effect in July 2024. Like Queensland’s reforms, it followed years of advocacy, high-profile tragedies, and growing awareness that domestic abuse often begins long before the first act of physical violence.
The legislation in Queensland was first introduced to Parliament in 2023, following recommendations from the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce. It applies to abusive behaviours occurring on or after May 26, 2025, and is backed by bipartisan support.
Amanda Camm, Queensland’s Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, described coercive control as the “underpinning dynamic” of abuse: “It can include physical and non-physical forms of abuse and creates a climate of fear, humiliation, isolation, that over time, erodes the victim’s sense of identity, freedom and independence [via Women’s Agenda].”
Technology and the Changing Face of Abuse
Frontline workers have embraced the new law, describing it as a long-needed step forward. Adam Beck, area manager at Centacare’s domestic violence service on the Sunshine Coast, noted that patterns of controlling behaviour frequently precede lethal violence. He explained that abusers often manipulate what they know about their victims to instil fear or maintain control, rather than relying on any fixed set of tactics.
Modern technology has further complicated the issue. Research by the eSafety Commission revealed alarming attitudes toward digital surveillance in relationships: nearly a quarter of Australians think it’s acceptable to demand a partner’s phone passwords, and 13 percent agree it’s reasonable to track them via location apps. Perpetrators have also used children to gain access to private information, including passwords and surveillance during video calls.
Hannah’s Family Leads the Change
Sue Clarke, Hannah’s mother, said her daughter hadn’t recognized the danger she was in:
“If knowing about coercive control could save someone’s life, we’d be willing to share our story a thousand times over [via SBS].”
Since Hannah’s murder, her parents have become relentless advocates, establishing the Small Steps 4 Hannah foundation to raise awareness and educate Australians on the dangers of coercive control. Their campaigning helped push this law across the finish line, ensuring other victims may receive protection before it’s too late.
Queensland Attorney-General Deb Frecklington described the new legislation as a major move toward greater justice and protection, highlighting that the coercive control laws, backed by bipartisan support, will strengthen efforts to hold abusers accountable.
However, experts warn that the law’s success will depend on education and proper implementation. Some advocates have raised concerns about the risk of misidentification, particularly for women who may be incorrectly identified as perpetrators when acting in self-defense. Training for police, legal professionals, and support workers is essential to ensure the law protects the people it was designed for.
As coercive control continues to gain recognition worldwide, Queensland’s new law adds momentum to the broader global movement. The law, born of tragedy, now stands as a symbol of change — not just in memory of Hannah Clarke and her children, but for every survivor who was never believed, and for those still living in silence.
Featured image: Coercive control has been criminalized in Queensland. Source: kieferpix / Adobe Stock.
