How coercive control is impacting parenting and property settlement decisions
Coercive control became a criminal offence in Queensland in 2025. Coercive control refers to the use of abusive behaviours towards a partner (either current or former) or family member with the intention to control or coerce them. It’s a type of domestic violence that, over time, creates fear and takes away another person’s freedom and independence. The impacts of coercive control can be physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, cultural, social and financial, or a combination of all of these.
Some of the signs of coercive control include:
- Controlling who a person sees, what they wear and where they go
- Monitoring or tracking everything a person does
- Controlling everyday needs, such as finances, medication, food or exercise
- Regularly criticising a person, or manipulating or blaming them so they doubt themselves and their experiences
- Forcing someone to have sex or do sexual things
- Stopping a person from following their religion or cultural practices
- Threatening a person, their children, family or friends
- Manipulating co-parenting arrangements or child support payments after separation
In property settlements, victims of coercive control may face challenges accessing their financial resources if the perpetrator has hidden or withheld assets. When it comes to parenting arrangements, perpetrators may use tactics like undermining the victim’s relationship with their children to gain leverage in court.
With the change in Queensland law, the court must now consider the effect of coercive control in family law property settlements. It’s a factor that may have limited someone’s ability to contribute financially to a relationship by being prevented from getting a job or pursuing an education, or even accessing government benefits.
In addition to considering how family violence affects a person’s ability to contribute to the property pool, a person’s future needs are also taken into account. For example, a larger financial adjustment may be needed to cover expenses such as medical treatment, counselling, or psychological support.
In cases where children are involved, the court will prioritise the child’s safety, which requires consideration of any family and domestic violence including coercive control.
Any kind of domestic violence, including coercive control, is a serious matter.
If you need immediate police help, call: 000
If you need advice or assistance, call: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
The family law experts at Michael Lynch Family Lawyers are here to assist you with any issues relating to relationship breakdowns, property settlements, or parenting arrangements.
We understand the complex issues surrounding domestic violence, including coercive control, and we are here to help.
