It has been just over a year since New South Wales became the first Australian state to make coercive control a criminal offence.
The laws, introduced in July 2024, were designed to address patterns of abuse that undermine autonomy and safety without relying on physical violence.
According to BOSCAR stats released in March 2025, since the legislation started, 223 incidents of coercive control were reported to NSW Police, yet just five charges were laid. Only one of those resulted in a conviction.
Sally Stevenson, Executive Director of the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre, said the figures highlight both the significance of the law and the challenges in proving such complex behaviour beyond a reasonable doubt.
“Coercive control is complex and often invisible. It doesn’t leave bruises or broken bones, and that makes it incredibly difficult to prove in a courtroom,” she said.
“Legislation is a vital step, but it doesn’t automatically translate into protection. Without resources, training, and community awareness, women will continue to fall through the cracks.”
Coercive control refers to patterns of behaviour that strip away a person’s freedom and autonomy, through isolation, surveillance, financial restriction, or intimidation, often without leaving visible injuries.
The offence, introduced in July 2024, was hailed as a turning point in addressing non-physical forms of domestic abuse. It was backed with $5.6m in funding to go towards police training and awareness campaigns.
At the time, Ms Stevenson said: “The ($5.6 million in) funding is woefully inadequate and the legislation has significant holes in it.”
To secure a prosecution, several elements must be proved, including:
- a “course of conduct” (repeated or continuous abusive behaviour) against a victim
- that the perpetrator was at least 18 years old at the time
- that the perpetrator and victim were or had been intimate partners
- that the perpetrator’s actions were intended to coerce or control the victim
- and that a reasonable person would consider the conduct likely to cause either:
- fear of violence, or
- a serious adverse impact on the victim’s daily activities.
- fear of violence, or
Advocates warn that the burden of proof remains high and that women should be aware of what evidence is needed to support a complaint. Documentation such as text messages, financial records, and witness testimony can help demonstrate a sustained pattern of behaviour.
Women from migrant and refugee backgrounds face additional barriers in accessing justice, including language difficulties, lack of awareness about rights, and fears tied to visa status.
Ms Stevenson warns that without stronger funding for culturally safe services, the law risks leaving these women behind.
“This law is a milestone, but the real test is whether women feel safer and more heard. One year on, we still have a long way to go,” said Ms Stevenson.
“Police officers and frontline workers need ongoing, specialist training to recognise the subtle signs of coercive control. Otherwise, cases risk being dismissed as ‘relationship problems’ rather than abuse.”
The Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre is a one-stop place for women to heal and rebuild their lives after experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence. To find out more about our services, contact our team on 4243 9800.