What is Coercive Control?
Domestic abuse is a broad term that presents itself in a wide variety of ways. Whether it’s:
physical abuse,
verbal abuse,
psychological abuse,
sexual abuse, or
The consequences felt by the individual victim are devastating.
While each of these forms of violence is undoubtedly concerning, it is crucial to acknowledge that domestic abuse can also take on more subtle forms - an example of which is coercive control.
This article aims to shed some light on what coercive control entails, how it can be identified and the steps that can be taken in response.
What is Coercive Control?
Coercive control refers to a pattern of behaviour where one person uses various harmful tactics to control, manipulate, and dominate their intimate partner.
Although less visible, and often intertwined with other forms of abuse, coercive control can prove to be just as damaging. While every Australian state treats the matter differently, NSW law defines ‘abuse behaviour’ in s54F of the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Coercive Control) Act 2022 as that which consists of or involves:
violence or threats against, or intimidation of, a person, or
coercion or control of the person against whom the behaviour is directed.
While coercive control can affect individuals of any gender, it is most commonly experienced by women.
It doesn’t discriminate against social status either. Take, for example, former NSW Premier Glady’s Berejiklian and her relationship with former MP Daryl Maguire. Despite her influence, communications between the pair that have recently been released in the media may be indicative of some aspects of coercion and control.
What does Coercive Control look like?
Coercive control is a broad concept that encompasses a wide range of tactics and is generally characterised by a systematic pattern of behaviour intended to establish dominance and control within a relationship. It is often challenging to pinpoint, making it a more effective tool for abusers and even more demoralising for victims.
Difficult as it may be to identify, an analysis of some common examples can help to shed some light on this form of abuse. These include:
1. Threats and intimidation
Abusers may use threats of direct violence to the victim, harm to loved ones or pets, or destruction of property to exert control over their partner. These threats create a climate of fear and serve to manipulate the victim into compliance.
2. Monitoring and surveillance
Coercive control often involves excessive monitoring of the victim's day-to-day activities. This can include tracking their movements through GPS on their car or phone, installing surveillance cameras in the home, or even hacking into their devices without consent to monitor their communications and activity. This constant surveillance creates a sense of constant scrutiny, again pushing them toward compliance and invading the victim's privacy.
3. Isolation and control of social interactions
Coercive abusers will often systematically isolate their partner from friends, family, and support networks. They may discourage or prevent the victim from spending time with loved ones, controlling their access to social activities, or monitoring their communications. By isolating the victim from these groups, the abuser gains further control and makes it harder for the victim to reach out and seek help or support.
4. Control over appearance and behaviour
In some cases, abusers exert control over their partner's appearance, dictating what they can wear or how they should look. They may restrict access to nice clothes and create arbitrary rules about when the victim is "allowed" to dress or act a certain way. These tactics serve to diminish the victim's sense of self and reinforce the abuser's control.
5. Financial Control:
Many of these previous examples will work in conjunction with financial control. That is where one partner exerts control over the other's finances, creating a power imbalance within the relationship. This abuse is often rooted in a desire to maintain dominance over the victim and thrives on the victim's lack of financial independence, making them an easier target to exert control over.
For more information about financial control and financially abusive relationships, read our [Guide to Financial Abuse>].
So, what can you do about Coercive Control?
If you find yourself (or someone you know) in a coercively controlled relationship, it’s important to know that as difficult as it is in the moment, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and regain control of your life and well-being.
It all starts by seeking professional advice from caring professionals who have experience and expertise dealing with coercive control or other forms of abuse, such as counsellors, therapists, domestic violence helplines or accredited family lawyers like our team at Voice Lawyers.
Why choose Voice Lawyers?
We can provide you with guidance, support, and resources to help you navigate the coercive control that you face and return to a life of freedom, liberty and well-being.
As an Australian Legal Firm with first-hand experience and founded as a response to our own lived experiences, we personally understand the stress and pain associated with your situation and offer an obligation-free, completely private consultation to walk you through your options.
So give us a call, today at (02) 9261 1954, or for more information about coercive control and abusive relationships…
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