What is coercive control and financial abuse under Queensland law?

Domestic violence is not always physical. Coercive control involves an ongoing pattern of behaviour designed to isolate, manipulate, and exert power over a person. It is insidious and often precedes physical violence, but it is equally damaging when targeted at vulnerable elderly individuals for financial gain.

As of 26 May 2025, the Criminal Code (Qld) formally recognises coercive control as a standalone criminal offence, carrying a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment.

What Constitutes Coercive Control?

Under the new Queensland laws, coercive control is defined by a pattern of abusive behaviours over time that causes the victim to fear violence or causes serious detriment to their liberty or autonomy.

Key examples include:

• Isolation: Forbidding or preventing the victim from seeing their family, friends, or support networks.
• Monitoring: Tracking the victim’s movements, communications, or internet use.
• Gaslighting: Manipulating the victim into doubting their own memory or sanity.
• Financial Abuse: This is a major component of coercive control.

Financial Abuse and Elder Exploitation

Financial abuse occurs when someone uses their power to control a vulnerable person’s money or assets without their genuine consent. This is a critical issue in guardianship matters.

Examples include:

• A carer or family member taking control of an elderly person’s bank accounts.
• Forcing or coercing an aging parent to sign an Enduring Power of Attorney or alter their Will.
• Refusing to allow a dependent person access to their own money to buy essentials.
• Moving a vulnerable person into a care facility and isolating them from family, specifically to take over their home and assets.

What Action Can Be Taken?

With the criminalisation of coercive control, police now have greater power to intervene in patterns of abusive and controlling behaviour before physical harm occurs.

If you suspect an elderly family member is being isolated and financially abused by a carer or relative:

1. Report to Police: The behaviour may constitute a criminal offence under the new coercive control laws.
2. Apply to QCAT: If the victim lacks capacity, you can urgently apply to QCAT under the Guardianship and Administration Act 2000 (Qld) to be appointed as their administrator and guardian to take legal control of their finances and welfare away from the abuser.