More Women Seek Help as NSW Coercive Control Laws Take Hold

Frontline domestic violence services in New South Wales report a growing number of women recognizing themselves as victims of coercive control and reaching out for support, following the criminalization of the behavior in mid-2024.

Coercive control refers to a sustained pattern of manipulative and controlling actions within intimate relationships. It can include financial abuse, constant monitoring, tracking movements, and acts of humiliation. Advocates say the new laws, which came into effect in July 2024, are prompting more victims to come forward, though the legal process remains complex.

Data from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) shows 297 reports of coercive control were made to NSW Police between July 2024 and June 2025. However, only nine charges have been laid so far.

BOCSAR executive director Jackie Fitzgerald said the relatively low number of charges was expected, given the offence’s complexity and its recent introduction. She noted that proving coercive control requires establishing a clear pattern of behavior, as well as demonstrating the offender’s intent both of which present significant challenges in court.

Support services say the early figures reflect a “slow but steady” uptake of the new laws, and they expect awareness and reporting to continue to grow as victims, police, and the justice system adapt to the change.