Coercive Control in NSW: Understanding, Recognising and Responding

By Dean Harrison, Counselling Psychologist, Director of iflow Psychology, Gladesville NSW

What is Coercive Control?

Coercive control is a pattern of ongoing behaviour designed to dominate, intimidate and restrict another person’s autonomy. Unlike one-off incidents of violence, coercive control is often subtle and cumulative. It gradually erodes a person’s independence, leaving them feeling trapped, fearful, and dependent on their partner.

As psychologists, we see that coercive control can take many forms – psychological, emotional, financial, verbal, sexual, and sometimes physical. It is now recognised in law as one of the most harmful forms of abuse because of its pervasive impact on safety, health, and daily life.

What is Coercive Control?

Examples of Coercive Control

Coercive control often begins with behaviours that can appear protective or caring, but over time become restrictive and harmful. Examples include:

• Monitoring and surveillance – checking your phone, reading private messages, using GPS tracking or installing cameras.

• Restricting independence – limiting your movements, controlling your access to transport, employment or education.

• Social isolation – cutting you off from family, friends and support networks.

• Financial abuse – controlling money, setting unrealistic budgets, or denying you access to shared funds.

• Gaslighting – manipulating you into doubting your own memory, perceptions or sanity.

• Threats and intimidation – creating a climate of fear through verbal, emotional or physical threats, including towards children or pets.

• Sexual coercion – pressuring or forcing sexual activity against your wishes.

These behaviours rarely occur in isolation. They often interlock, creating a web of control that is difficult to recognise at first and even harder to escape.

Signs You Might Be Experiencing Coercive Control

Ask yourself:

• Do you feel constantly on edge in your relationship, as if you are “walking on eggshells”?

• Have you lost confidence, independence, or autonomy since being with your partner?

• Do you hide the reality of your relationship in public, while feeling anxious or unhappy in private?

• Does your partner control key aspects of your daily life – such as finances, social contacts, or health decisions?

If you recognise these experiences, it may indicate coercive control. Threatening to report you to child protection services and making false allegations.

Coercive Control and the Law in NSW

In 2022, the NSW Government passed the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Coercive Control) Bill, introducing a stand-alone criminal offence of coercive control.

From July 2024, coercive control in intimate partner relationships can carry a penalty of up to seven years in prison. To prove the offence, the prosecution must show a pattern of abusive conduct that causes fear of violence or has a serious negative impact on daily life.

This legislation represents a major step towards recognising non-physical forms of domestic abuse as crimes in their own right.

(See more: NSW Government Coercive Control Reforms)

How to Safely End a Coercively Controlling Relationship

Leaving an abusive relationship can be dangerous and requires careful planning. Consider:

1. Reach out to trusted people – let family or friends know about your situation and keep communication open.

2. Call 1800 RESPECT – a national helpline providing confidential support, advice and safety planning.

3. Develop a safety plan – identify safe places (friends’ homes, libraries, hospitals, 24/7 cafés) and code words to alert children or trusted contacts in emergencies.

4. Create an escape plan – prepare essential items and documents, and ensure you have a secure place to go that your partner does not know about.

5. Seek professional support – psychologists can help you process trauma, rebuild resilience, and navigate separation, custody and property matters.

How to End a Relationship?

Getting Help in Sydney

At iflow Psychology, Gladesville, our psychologists are experienced in supporting individuals impacted by domestic abuse and coercive control. We provide:

• Trauma-informed counselling

• Psychological assessments

• Support for separation, parenting, and rebuilding self-esteem

• In-person and telehealth options across Sydney

📍 Conveniently located in Gladesville, we also support clients across the Inner West, Ryde, Hunters Hill and surrounding suburbs.

Crisis Support

• Emergency: Call 000 or attend your nearest Police Station.

• National Helpline: Call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – available 24/7.

• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

• Lifeline: 13 11 14

Disclaimer

This article is for information purposes only. It does not replace medical, legal or psychological advice. Always consult a registered health professional or lawyer before making decisions about your safety, wellbeing, or legal options.

© 2025 Dean Harrison, iflow Psychology Pty Ltd