Queensland has made a significant stride in addressing domestic violence by passing historic laws that criminalize coercive control. The state parliament introduced a new standalone offense with a maximum jail sentence of 14 years, aiming to tackle the insidious patterns of controlling, isolating, and manipulative behavior within relationships.
Advocacy from victims, survivors, and community groups played a crucial role in shaping these laws, which are designed to capture behaviors such as verbal abuse, financial control, emotional abuse, and social isolation. The legislation also includes an affirmative consent model, similar to those in New South Wales and Victoria, to further protect individuals from non-consensual acts like “stealthing” and reproductive coercion.
Furthermore, Queensland’s double jeopardy laws have been expanded to provide exceptions in cases of ten additional offenses, including manslaughter, attempted murder, and rape. These changes come in response to the need for stronger measures to combat domestic violence and offer increased protection to victims and survivors throughout the state.
By criminalizing coercive control and introducing progressive legal frameworks, Queensland is taking a significant step towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for those affected by domestic violence.