Coercive control became a criminal offence in Queensland in May 2025, and it works differently from most criminal charges: it’s about a pattern of behaviour over time, not a single incident. Because the law is new and the behaviour it covers can be subtle, there’s a lot of confusion about what actually counts. This guide explains the new offence, gives clear examples, and covers what to do if you’ve been accused. For representation, see our coercive control page.
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The New Coercive Control Offence
Queensland introduced a standalone coercive control offence that commenced in May 2025. It targets a course of conduct, a pattern of abusive behaviour directed at a current or former intimate partner (and certain family members) that is intended to coerce or control them. It is a serious offence carrying the possibility of imprisonment.
The defining feature is that it’s about a pattern, not a one-off. Individual actions that might seem minor on their own can, taken together and repeated over time, form a course of controlling behaviour. It also doesn’t have to be physical, much coercive control is psychological, emotional, financial or technological.
For broader domestic violence matters, see our domestic violence lawyers page.
Examples: Behaviours That Can Count as Coercive Control
No list is exhaustive, and context is everything, but these are the kinds of behaviours that can form part of a pattern of coercive control:
| 1. Isolation | Cutting a partner off from friends, family or support networks. |
| 2. Monitoring and surveillance | Checking phones, tracking location, or demanding constant contact and updates. |
| 3. Financial control | Controlling access to money, bank accounts, or the ability to work. |
| 4. Intimidation and threats | Threats directed at a person, at others, or at pets or property. |
| 5. Micro-regulation of daily life | Dictating what someone wears, eats, where they go, or who they can see. |
| 6. Degradation | Persistent put-downs, humiliation, or gaslighting. |
| 7. Using technology or children | Surveillance apps, or using children as a means of pressure or control. |
Importantly, the law looks at the overall pattern and its effect, not any single act in isolation.
Why Coercive Control Is Different From Other Charges
Most criminal charges focus on a specific act at a specific moment. Coercive control is unusual because it criminalises a course of conduct, a pattern built from many smaller events over time. That makes these cases genuinely complex: what one person experiences as controlling, another may see as an ordinary, if difficult, relationship dynamic. The line between relationship conflict and criminal coercive control can be a fine one, which is exactly why these matters need careful legal analysis.
If You’ve Been Accused
Because the offence is new and turns on patterns and intent, accusations can arise from situations that are contested, misremembered, or part of a relationship breakdown where allegations run in both directions. If you’ve been accused of coercive control:
| Take it seriously | It’s a criminal charge, not just a relationship dispute. |
| Say as little as possible to police | Wait until you’ve had legal advice before giving any account. |
| Don’t contact the other person | Especially where a DVO is in place, contact can lead to further charges. |
| Get legal advice early | The law is new and complex, and how the matter is handled from the outset really matters. |
For representation, see our coercive control page.
How Mansia Bovey & Company Lawyers Can Help
| What We Do | Why It Matters |
| Analyse the alleged pattern | We test whether the conduct actually meets the legal definition of a course of coercive control. |
| Examine intent and context | The offence requires an intention to coerce or control; context and evidence are central to that. |
| Coordinate any linked DVO | Coercive control matters often run alongside protection orders; we manage both together. |
| Scrutinise the evidence | Messages, records and accounts are examined closely. |
| Defend or negotiate | We pursue the best available path, whether that’s contesting the charge or negotiating with the prosecution. |
We approach every client confidentially and without judgment, and we’ve defended criminal and domestic violence matters across Cairns and Far North Queensland for over 30 years.
After review and negotiation, an accurate version might reflect:
- A spontaneous altercation following mutual verbal provocation
- A single incident of physical contact, not a sustained attack
- Injuries consistent with the medical record, which showed minor findings
- The defendant’s attempt to disengage before the situation escalated
Accused of Coercive Control in Cairns? Get Advice Early.
This is a new and complex area of law, and early advice matters. Speak to us before you take any step. Mansia Bovey & Company Lawyers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Or call us directly, any time: 07 4035 8300
Frequently Asked Questions
When did coercive control become a crime in Queensland?
The standalone coercive control offence commenced in May 2025. Behaviour before that date is dealt with under other existing laws, but the new offence specifically targets ongoing patterns of controlling behaviour.
Is coercive control only about physical violence?
No. Coercive control is often psychological, emotional, financial or technological rather than physical. The offence is concerned with a pattern of controlling behaviour and its effect, whether or not physical violence is involved.
Can a single argument count as coercive control?
No. The offence is about a course of conduct, a pattern of behaviour over time, not a single incident or argument. This is one of the things that makes these cases complex and worth analysing carefully.
What’s the difference between coercive control and a DVO?
A DVO is a protective order made in the civil system; coercive control is a criminal offence. The same circumstances can give rise to both, and where they do, they need to be managed together, which is something we handle routinely.
What should I do if I’ve been accused of coercive control?
Take it seriously, say as little as possible to the police until you’ve had advice, avoid any contact with the other person (particularly if a DVO is in place), and speak to a lawyer early. The law is new and complex, and early advice protects your position.