Coercive control is a form of domestic abuse involving repeated patterns of behaviour – which can include physical, sexual, psychological, emotional or financial abuse, accompanied by threats of violence and the fear it causes, the cumulative effect of which is to rob victim-survivors of their autonomy and independence.

The Department of Communities and Justice (NSW) has released this discussion paper on coercive and controlling behaviour in the context of domestic and family violence in NSW. The discussion paper highlights key questions for any potential reform.

This paper can be used as a guide to help inform further consideration of this complex topic.