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Compulsory check is now illegal in this state. This is what it means
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Compulsory check is now illegal in this state. This is what it means

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This article contains references to domestic and family violence and suicide.
Coercive control is now a criminal offense in Queensland, in which convicted perpetrators of up to 14 years in prison are confronted.
The new laws came into force after years of campaigns from lawyers, including Sue and Lloyd Clarke, whose daughter Hannah experienced domestic violence and compulsive control.

This is what you need to know about the new laws and why it is a “bittersweet” day for lawyers.

What are the compelling control laws?

According to Queensland’s laws, it is illegal for an adult to use offensive behavior for their current or former intimate partner, family member or informal caregiver with the intention of controlling or forcing them.

The laws apply to offensive behavior that occurs on or after 26 May 2025 and convicted perpetrators can receive a maximum fine of 14 years in prison.
Nadia Bromley, CEO of the Legal Service of Women’s Queensland, said that the criminalization of compulsory control has long been done.
“For a long time we know that compulsive control is based on a lot of domestic domestic family,” she said.

“This change today is about acknowledging that compulsive control is a very serious form of domestic violence … the kind of behavior we are talking about [are] Every behavioral pattern that is really designed to dominate or control another person in the context of a domestic relationship. “

How is compulsive control defined?

Coercive control controls a pattern of insulting behavior, with the intention of hurting, humiliating, isolation, scaring or threatening to control them to control or dominate.
It can be physical or non-physical and includes emotional, psychological and financial abuse, along with insulation, intimidation, sexual coercion and cyber stalking.
Bromley said she hoped that the new laws would improve education and consciousness in the community.

“I think people still find it difficult to articulate what is happening to them to understand that it is something that can be tackled and that help is available,” she said.

“I think the secondary part is accountability … Not only recognizing this harmful and unwanted behavior, but we know they are really closely linked to fatality,” said Bromley.

“With that important deterrent there, assuming that 14-year-old violation, really reflects the seriousness that this is viewed by the legal system and the consequences that can flow.”

How did we get to this point?

The criminalization of compulsory control has come after years of lobbying and advocacy by advocates and task force for the safety and justice of women.

Lloyd and Sue Clarke, the parents of Hannah Clarke, have worked to increase the awareness of domestic violence and compulsive control. Source: MONKEY / Darren England

Clarke, together with her three children, was killed by her former partner in 2020. He then took his own life. Since then, Clarke’s parents, Sue and Lloyd Clarke have committed themselves to training Australians about the dangers of compulsory control and domestic violence.

The Task Force investigated compulsory control and assessed the need for domestic violence and the experiences of women in the criminal justice system and made a series of recommendations.

In 2023, legislation was introduced in parliament after recommendations from the Task Force. The historical reforms were passed on in 2024.

‘Bittersweet’ day before Clarke family

The Clarkes, who founded the Small Steps 4 Hannah of the Foundation, said the new laws felt “bittersweet”.
“So many sacrifices were made on the road, not just ours. And I think it is important that we acknowledge them – because they are the reason we can now keep potential perpetrators,” Lloyd Clarke said.

“We were not only in this fight. Governments acted, the police listened and there are more resources along the way. Now it’s all of us – everyday Australians.”

The Clarkes strive to ensure that Australians understand compulsive control without experiencing the devastating consequences.
Sue Clarke said that her daughter had not known that she had an abuse relationship because she was not physically harmed.
“If knowing about compulsory control could save someone’s life, we would be willing to share our story a thousand times,” she said.
“Every red flag that we shared, every story we told, has laid the foundation for the argument that forced control is a form of family and domestic violence.”
Former Attorney General Shannon Fentiman celebrated the laws in a post on social media.
“For too long, women who experienced compulsory control were not serious, or it was not illegal. Those changes today.
“We cannot prevent what we cannot recognize. That is why criminalizing compulsory control is such an important step in tackling domestic and family violence.”
If you or someone you know are hit by family and domestic violence, call 1800 respect on 1800 737 732, SMS 0458 737 732, or visit 1800 -Aspect.org.au. Call 000 in an emergency.
Readers looking for crisis support can be a lifeline on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kinderhelplijn on 1800 55 1800 (for young people up to 25 years) (for young people up to 25 years). More information and support with mental health is available on Beyondblue.org.au and on 1300 22 4636.

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