South Australia passes coercive control laws
Until now, coercive control was not a standalone offence in South Australia.
What is coercive control?
Coercive control is a form of domestic violence where someone tries to control the behaviour of a current or former partner.
It can include:
- attempting to isolate you from your friends and family
- controlling your money
- controlling your medicine
- monitoring what you say or wear, or even what you eat or when you sleep.
Learn more about what coercive control looks like via the See the Signs website.
What are the new laws?
The State Government has passed legislation criminalising controlling behaviours in both current and former intimate relationships. Controlling behaviours must restrict one or more aspects of a current or former partner’s life including:
- where they can go and what they can do
- deciding where to work or study
- taking part in social, community or political activities
- making decisions about their own body
- accessing support, legal help or basic necessities such as mobility aids, sleep, water or food.
Offenders convicted of coercive control will face up to 7 years in prison.
For more detail, visit the Attorney-General’s Department website.
The new laws are an important step in delivering on 5 key recommendations of the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence.
Next steps
The Government is consulting with key stakeholders before the laws come into effect including:
- family violence support services
- the courts
- South Australia police
- the Director of Public Prosecutions.
If someone needs help now
If you know someone who is struggling with domestic, family or sexual violence, you can contact 1800RESPECT for confidential information, counselling and support.
Phone 1800 737 732
1800RESPECT website
For lists of crisis support and legal services, visit the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence website.