The ACT Government will introduce legislation to criminalise coercive control as a standalone offence by mid-2026, Minister for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, Dr Marisa Paterson MLA, announced today.
The new offence will enable the justice system to respond to patterns of controlling, coercive and abusive behaviours recognising that domestic and family violence is often not an isolated incident.
"Rates of domestic, family and sexual violence in Australia are unacceptable," said Minister Paterson.
"We know that coercive control is frequently part of intimate partner violence."
"We also know that coercive control is a key risk factor in domestic violence homicides. We will move to see that our laws reflect this reality."
The ACT Government has been engaging with the specialist domestic, family and sexual violence sector, as well as services that represent the most marginalised communities, to ensure the legislation is developed in partnership with those most impacted. This has included a targeted Ministerial roundtable on the criminalisation of coercive control.
The roundtable reaffirmed that both the ACT Government and the domestic and family violence sector are united in their commitment to strengthening responses to coercive control. The Government has also drawn on strategic advice from the Domestic Violence Prevention Council (DVPC), provided between 2022 and 2024, to guide this work.
The legislation will be further informed by the Victim-Survivor Voices program. In addition, dedicated Steering Committee will be established to guide the legislative reform process to ensure it is informed by best practice and does not bring unintended consequences.
"We're committed to designing legislation that is evidence-based, inclusive and effective, and that makes a real difference in creating a safer community," Minister Paterson said.
"Law reform is only one part of the story. This work must go hand-in-hand with training, education, and support for specialist services."
To support the development and implementation of the new offence, the ACT Government has already delivered a range of complementary measures, including:
- A $375,000 coercive control response package, which includes:
- A public education campaign run in mid-2025, reaching over 2.1 million impressions and lifting awareness of coercive control among ACT adults from 57% to 67%.
- Training for ACT Policing and courts to ensure frontline responders can identify and respond to coercive control safely and effectively.
- Updates to the Domestic and Family Violence Risk Assessment and Management Framework are underway to incorporate coercive control content.
- A $30.5 million investment in frontline services in the 2025–26 Budget, including culturally safe supports delivered by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).
The Minister will continue to work closely with the Attorney-General and sector partners to progress this reform through Cabinet and future Budget processes.
Quotes attributable to Sue Webeck, CEO Domestic Violence Crisis Service:
"DVCS welcomes the opportunity to work towards progressing reforms that support ACT community members experiencing domestic and family violence.
"As the territory's specialist frontline agency, we are committed to working alongside government agencies and the community to ensure the move towards criminalising coercive control is informed by best practice. This includes supporting training for our police colleagues, judicial system, government agencies and our community partners."
Quotes attributable to Elena Rosenman, CEO, Women's Legal Centre ACT:
"It is important laws in the ACT continue to evolve to respond to our understanding of domestic and family violence.
"Coercive control is a pattern of behaviour we see every day at the Centre, and we look forward to law reform that reflects this, responds carefully to the needs of all communities and increases accountability."
Quotes attributable to Cara Jacobs, YWCA Canberra Acting CEO:
"The evidence is clear – coercive control is inextricably linked to domestic and family violence.
"YWCA Canberra welcomes the statement today by Minister Paterson outlining the government's intention to introduce legislation by mid-2026 to criminalise coercive control.
"Our advocacy portfolio has closely followed progress in the ACT and elsewhere and along with other sector partners, took part in the roundtable with the Minister in July. We welcome the opportunity to continue to be involved in this important reform."
Quotes attributable to Cecilia McKenzie, First Nations lived experience systems reform advocate and Aboriginal Policy and Engagement Manager with Domestic Violence NSW:
"Criminalising coercive control sends a clear message to victim/survivors across Australia: what you are experiencing or have experienced is not love, it is control, and it is not acceptable. Importantly, it is now recognised as illegal.
At the same time, lessons from other jurisdictions show us that this process cannot be rushed. We must also acknowledge the enduring impacts of colonisation on First Nations communities and how existing systems can compound trauma. A justice response alone is not enough. For this legislation to be effective, all systems justice, police, education, health, and child protection must be trauma-informed and grounded in cultural safety.
Legislation is one part of the solution, but real change requires holistic, intersectional, community-driven responses. We must invest in supports that not only hold perpetrators accountable but also promote safety, dignity, and autonomy for Women and Children. Only then can we move closer to a future where all individuals live free from violence."
