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

South Australia surrogacy agreements: are they unlawful?

South Australia takes a distinctly narrow approach to surrogacy agreements. The issue is not simply whether a proposed arrangement is altruistic, or whether everyone involved has acted with the best of intentions. Under the Surrogacy Act 2019 (SA), the first question is whether the arrangement falls into the category of a lawful surrogacy agreement. That… Read More »South Australia surrogacy agreements: are they unlawful?

WA surrogacy parents: register now for parentage orders

Western Australians who have had a child through surrogacy, whether in Western Australia, elsewhere in Australia or overseas, may soon have an important opportunity to obtain legal recognition as parents. The Western Australian Government is seeking registrations from past surrogacy parents who do not have a parentage order. This is particularly significant for families who… Read More »WA surrogacy parents: register now for parentage orders

Parenting plans vs consent orders explained

When parents separate, one of the most important questions is how arrangements for children will be recorded. Will the agreement be kept flexible through a parenting plan, or formalised in legally binding consent orders? There is no single answer that suits every family. The right option depends on the level of trust between parents, the… Read More »Parenting plans vs consent orders 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