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

Surrogacy lawyer explains upcoming ALRC reports

Australia is approaching an important moment for family and fertility law. By the end of July 2026 and during August 2026, the Australian Law Reform Commission, or ALRC, is expected to deliver two major reports to Commonwealth Attorney General Michelle Rowland. One report will address surrogacy law. The other will examine Australia’s human tissue laws.… Read More »Surrogacy lawyer explains upcoming ALRC reports

Overseas surrogacy births now recognised in Australia

For years, the recognition of parents through overseas surrogacy has been unnecessarily uncertain. Australian intended parents could return home with a child, a foreign birth certificate and a foreign court order, yet still face questions about whether Australian law recognised them as parents. That position changed on 1 April 2025. It may be April Fool’s… Read More »Overseas surrogacy births now recognised in Australia

Do children have a say in parenting cases? Lawyer explains

In Australian parenting cases, children can have a say. That much is clear. But the more accurate answer is that yes, children’s views matter, but the weight given to those views depends on the individual child and the circumstances of the case. That is often where confusion starts. Many parents assume a child can simply… Read More »Do children have a say in parenting cases? Lawyer explains

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