When Coercive Control Meets Family Law: The Responsibilities of Legal Practitioners

When Coercive Control Meets Family Law: The Responsibilities of Legal Practitioners

Coercive control, an insidious form of abuse within family law, is increasingly recognised for its profound impact on victims’ autonomy and well-being. Unlike physical abuse, coercive control often involves patterns of psychological, emotional, and economic manipulation, which can be difficult to identify and prosecute. As legislative measures evolve in Australia, particularly in Queensland and New South Wales, family law practitioners must deepen their understanding and refine their responsibilities to better protect victims and support justice.

This paper explores the complexities of coercive control in family law and examines the critical role legal professionals play in identifying, addressing, and supporting victims of such abuse.

To gain a deeper understanding of coercive control and the pivotal responsibilities of legal practitioners, download the full paper here. This comprehensive resource offers valuable insights and practical guidance for those working within family law or supporting victims of domestic abuse.

DOWNLOAD THE PAPER

Request an Appointment
Fill in the form below to find out if you have a claim.
Request an Appointment - Stephen Page
Things to Read, Watch & Listen

What Intended Parents Should Have Ready Before Their First Consultation With a Surrogacy Lawyer

By Olga Pysana – Co-founder Family By Choice, Independent International Surrogacy Consultant (The Surrogacy Insider) For many intended parents, the first consultation with a surrogacy lawyer is the moment the journey becomes real. After months, sometimes years, of fertility treatment, research, and conversations with their partner, they finally sit down with a legal professional to… Read More »What Intended Parents Should Have Ready Before Their First Consultation With a Surrogacy Lawyer

Why Education Is the Missing Piece in the Surrogacy Journey

By Sanja Jovanović, Founder & Director of Family By Choice With the ALRC’s final report on surrogacy law reform due in July 2026, Australia is on the cusp of the most significant changes to its surrogacy framework in a generation. Proposals for nationally consistent legislation, regulated surrogacy support organisations, and new pathways for compensating surrogates… Read More »Why Education Is the Missing Piece in the Surrogacy Journey

How Are Debts Divided in Divorce? Australian Property Settlement Explained

When people separate, one of the most common questions is also one of the most misunderstood: what happens to the debts? Many people assume there must be a simple rule. Half each. Joint debts are shared. Personal debts stay personal. In Australian family law, it is not that straightforward. In a property settlement, debts are… Read More »How Are Debts Divided in Divorce? Australian Property Settlement Explained

Family Law Section Law Council of Australia Award
Member of Queensland law society
Family law Practitioners Association
International Academy of Family Lawyers - IAFL
Mediator Standards Board