When did coercive control become a criminal offence in Queensland?

On 26 May 2025, coercive control became a standalone criminal offence in Queensland under what is commonly known as Hannah’s Law.

Coercive control is defined as a deliberate pattern of behaviours used to intimidate, manipulate or isolate a current or former intimate partner, family member, or informal carer. Instead of focusing purely on single incidents of physical violence, the law now recognises the devastating cumulative effect of an abuser’s attempts to dominate and control a victim over time.

Behaviours that can lead to a coercive control charge include:

• Isolating a person from friends and family.
• Monitoring communications, movements, or finances.
• Preventing access to support services.
• Humiliating or degrading behaviour designed to undermine self worth.
• Controlling what a person wears, eats, or how they present themselves.

Because this is a very serious criminal offence under the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld), it carries a severe maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment.

If you need more comprehensive information about how domestic violence laws operate in Queensland, including options for safety and protecting your rights in court, you can read our complete guide to Domestic and Family Violence in Queensland , which details protection orders, breach penalties, and the new coercive control laws.