[no bill text published] Criminal Offence for Using a Pattern of Abuse to Control a Family Member (Coercive Control)
Crimes (Coercive Control) Amendment Bill 2026
Assembly
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
Adults commit a crime if they use a pattern of family violence to coerce or control a family member; the conduct must be likely to cause harm or fear of harm.
People convicted of coercive control face up to 7 years in prison; they may also be fined up to 700 penalty units.
Courts and juries do not need to be satisfied about the details of every single incident of violence; they only need to be sure a pattern of conduct existed.
Prosecutors do not have to prove that every single act of violence was intended to coerce or control the victim.
Victims of coercive control can now access financial assistance under the Victims of Crime (Financial Assistance) Act 2016.
The Minister establishes an advisory committee to provide guidance on how the coercive control laws are implemented.
The Minister must review these laws after three years; a report must be given to the Legislative Assembly within one year of the review starting.