Coercive Control

What is Coercive Control?

Coercive control is when someone tries to control you through a pattern of behaviour. This can include hurting, scaring, or isolating you. It can be physical (like hitting) or non-physical (like threats).

Coercive control is a serious issue because it takes away your freedom and independence. Understanding coercive control is important to protect yourself and others. By knowing your rights and seeking support, you can regain control and start to rebuild your life.

In Australia you have the right to:

• You have the right to live without being controlled or coerced.
• Coercive control is never your fault.
• Help is available, and you are not alone.

Forms of Coercive Control

Coercive control can happen in different ways. Here are some signs to look out for:

• Isolation: Keeping you away from friends and family.
• Humiliation: Constantly putting you down and making you feel bad about yourself.
• Loss of Confidence: Making you feel like you don’t know yourself anymore.
• Financial Control: Not allowing you to manage your own money or choose where to work.
• Gaslighting: Making you question your own thoughts and reality.
• Controlling Faith: Not allowing you to practice your religion as you want.
• Questioning Sanity: Making you doubt your memory and sense of reality.

Who Can Be Affected?

Anyone can be affected by coercive control, no matter their age, gender, or background. It can happen in any relationship.

Sometimes, controlling behaviours can seem small or not serious. But when these behaviours happen over and over, they form a pattern of control. If you notice these signs in your relationship or someone else’s, it may be coercive control.

Impact of Coercive Control

Coercive control can cause harm in many ways:

• Emotional Pain: Feeling scared, anxious, or sad.
• Mental Health Issues: Long-term problems like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Loss of Independence: Feeling trapped and unable to make decisions for yourself.
• Social Isolation: Losing touch with friends and family who can help you.

Getting Help

If you or someone you know is experiencing coercive control, it is important to seek help. There are services available to support you.

1800RESPECT: Call 1800 737 732 for confidential help and advice.

You can contact the Support for Trafficked People Program on 03 9345 1800 or at national_STPP@redcross.org.au

You can contact the Australian Federal Police on 131 237 or go to the AFP website.

Legal Aid Services: Offer free legal advice and help. They can explain your rights and help you with legal issues. You can contact legal aid in your state or territory here.

The Attorney General’s Department has developed resources in your language to help you understand coercive control.

For more information and support, visit our Support Services Page.