Coercive control is a term that describes the context, pattern and impact of abusive relationships where an ongoing pattern of behaviour causes harm that affects a victim-survivor’s autonomy and personhood. Perpetrators use a range of tactics to intimidate, monitor, regulate, isolate, humiliate, manipulate, punish and frighten victim-survivors. Behaviours reported by victim-survivors often fall into consistent categories of jealousy, monitoring of movements, financial abuse, social restriction and emotional abuse or threatening behaviour.

This discussion paper seeks feedback about whether current legislative responses to coercive control in Western Australia are adequate, and if not, what the gaps are and how they may best be addressed - what is working well and where things can be improved.

The Western Australian government invites feedback from stakeholders working with victim-survivors in the justice system and family and domestic violence sector; legal and social services; academics; advocates; victim-survivors; and the community about:

• the impact of coercive control in Western Australia
• current responses to coercive control in Western Australia
• future responses to coercive control in Western Australia.

Submission close 30 July 2022.