Queensland Criminalizes Coercive Control, but Survivors Fear Police Response

Queensland has criminalized coercive control, a form of psychological abuse that can include isolation, intimidation, sexual coercion, and cyberstalking. The new laws, which will take effect next year, carry a maximum sentence of 14 years in jail. However, survivors worry that police may not be equipped to respond effectively to this subtle and complex form of abuse.

Coercive control involves a pattern of behaviors aimed at dominating and controlling a partner through fear and intimidation. It can be difficult to identify, as it often occurs behind closed doors and leaves no physical evidence. Survivors have expressed concerns that police lack the training and understanding to properly investigate and prosecute these cases.

Why this matters: The criminalization of coercive control is a significant step in addressing domestic violence, but its effectiveness will depend on the ability of law enforcement to identify and respond to this insidious form of abuse. Failure to do so could leave countless victims without the protection and support they need.

The Queensland Police Service has acknowledged the challenges posed by coercive control and the need for improved training. "Policing and prosecuting coercive control will face the same obstacles as existing domestic violence laws, with the added challenge of identifying behaviors that often go unnoticed," a spokesperson said. "We recognize the need for a more holistic approach to responding to domestic violence incidents."

Domestic violence advocates have called for a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to addressing coercive control. This includes not only training for police, but also education for the public, support services for survivors, and programs for perpetrators. "It's not enough to just criminalize coercive control," said one advocate. "We need a coordinated, community-wide effort to prevent and respond to this abuse."

As Queensland moves forward with implementing the new coercive control laws, the focus will be on ensuring that police and other frontline responders are equipped to identify and respond to this complex form of abuse. Survivors and advocates will be watching closely to see if the promise of protection becomes a reality.

Key Takeaways

• Queensland criminalizes coercive control, a form of psychological abuse.
• New laws carry 14-year max sentence, but survivors worry police lack training.
• Coercive control involves domination and control through fear, difficult to identify.
• Police acknowledge challenges, need for holistic approach to domestic violence.
• Advocates call for comprehensive, evidence-based approach to address coercive control.