Why will it only be a criminal offence in intimate partner relationships?
Coercive control can happen in other types of relationships. However, the legislation will be tested in current and former intimate partner relationships first.
This is because coercive control has been strongly linked to intimate partner homicide. The NSW Domestic Violence Death Review Team found that in 97% of intimate partner domestic violence homicides cases, the victim had experienced coercive and controlling behaviours before being killed.1
The NSW Government will review the legislation from 2026 including to consider whether it should be expanded to criminalise coercive control in other types of relationships.
Whether you’re experiencing coercive control from an intimate partner, a family member, a caregiver, or any other person, it’s always wrong and there’s support available.