Form of domestic abuse to be criminalised in NSW
Coercive Control will be criminalised in New South Wales with the state government rushing to pass its landmark bill. The form of domestic abuse involves patterns of behaviour which deny victim-survivors their autonomy and independence. The new legislation has passed without amendments and only covers intimate partner relationships, meaning family relationships are not included. There had been more than two years of research and consultation around the bill, but domestic violence advocates insist it could do more harm than good in its current form. The state government says the legislation can be built on in future.