Are you under the coercive control of your partner? If you’ve ever felt isolated, doubted your own judgment, or had your freedoms restricted in a relationship by your partner, you may have experienced coercive control.
At Lander Solicitors Queensland, we specialise in supporting survivors of controlling relationships through property settlements, parenting arrangements, and the complex family law system.
Keep reading to learn more about coercive control, how it may affect your family law case, and how we can help you take back control and secure the fair outcome you deserve.
What is coercive control?
Coercive control is a calculated, ongoing form of emotional and mental abuse. It’s a pattern of behaviour designed to isolate, intimidate, and dominate another person.
Unlike other forms of domestic violence, coercive control is often subtle and pervasive, which means it isn’t as easy to recognise, especially when it’s happening to you.
Coercive control examples
Coercive behaviours are designed to disempower and control, leaving survivors feeling trapped and without options. Examples include:
- Isolation: cutting you off from family and friends.
- Monitoring: constantly tracking your communication and daily activities.
- Denying freedoms: restricting access to work, education, or transportation.
- Gaslighting: making you question your reality or sanity.
- Controlling finances: limiting access to money, credit cards, or bank accounts.
- Criticism: undermining your confidence through relentless criticism or name-calling.
- Domestic duties: forcing you into an unequal share of household responsibilities.
- Turning children against you: manipulating your children to damage your relationship with them.
- Control over your body: dictating how you dress, eat, or care for yourself.
- Jealousy and threats: using accusations and intimidation to isolate you further.
Coercive control QLD laws and challenges
In Queensland, coercive control was criminalised under the Criminal Law (Coercive Control and Affirmative Consent) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023, with penalties of up to 14 years imprisonment.
In property settlements, survivors may face challenges accessing financial resources if their abuser has hidden or withheld assets. However, our 20+ years of experience mean we know how to present your case effectively to ensure the court considers the financial control and manipulation you’ve experienced.
In parenting arrangements, abusers may use tactics like undermining the survivor’s relationship with their children to gain leverage in court. We advocate fiercely on your behalf to show how maintaining a strong relationship with you benefits your child’s emotional and physical well-being. Engaging a family report writer, like our Jill Lander, can also be engaged for an impartial assessment of the family dynamic.
The emotional challenges of coercive control cases
Navigating the family court system can feel like an uphill battle, especially for survivors of coercive control. While these challenges are real and overwhelming, they’re not impossible to overcome. With the right support, you can take back control and work toward a fair outcome.
- Lack of confidence: Coercive control can leave you doubting yourself and feeling like you don’t have a voice, or if what you’ve experienced was not “serious enough” to matter. We’re here to remind you that you have a voice and your experiences matter. Our job is to help you feel heard and supported so you can approach this process with clarity, strength and validation.
- Feelings of helplessness: It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the legal system, especially when you’re already carrying so much. We’ll break things down step by step and handle the heavy lifting.
- Emotional toll: Talking about the past, especially in a legal setting, can be exhausting and emotional. We take the time to approach everything with care and sensitivity, making sure you feel as comfortable as possible throughout the process.
Reclaim your independence with Lander Solicitors Queensland
At Lander Solicitors Queensland, we’re here to help you navigate the legal system with confidence, dignity, and support. Let us guide you toward a fair resolution so you can reclaim your autonomy and build a safer, brighter future.
Reach out to our team today to book a consultation.
DISCLAIMER – The information provided in this blog is general and does not consider your individual legal needs or objectives. It does not constitute personal advice and is for informational purposes only. We recommend seeking out professional and independent legal advice from a qualified Australian lawyer to advise on your individual situation before acting on any information contained below. Lander Solicitors Queensland accepts no express or implied liability for negligence or contractually for reliance on any information provided. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
