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Remote appointments via Microsoft Teams available
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Remote appointments via Microsoft Teams available
For many years, the legal definition of domestic violence in Australia was largely understood through the lens of physical harm. However, survivors and advocates have long argued that the most dangerous aspect of an abusive relationship is often not a single physical act, but a sustained pattern of psychological and emotional entrapment.
In 2024 and 2025, Queensland took a historic step to address this by introducing and implementing specific legislation known widely as Hannah’s Law. Named in honour of Hannah Clarke and her children, these reforms officially criminalised coercive control. As we navigate the legal landscape in 2026, it is vital for residents in Jindalee and the broader Brisbane area to understand what this offence entails and the severe penalties now attached to it.
At Jindalee Lawyers, we believe that legal clarity is the first step toward safety and justice. Here is a comprehensive guide to understanding this landmark legislation.
Coercive control refers to a strategic pattern of behaviour used by a perpetrator to dominate, isolate, and instill fear in a partner or family member. Unlike a one off argument or an isolated incident of anger, coercive control is a deliberate campaign designed to strip a person of their autonomy.
Under the new Queensland Laws Criminal Code 1899 (Qld), s 334C (Coercive Control) Criminalises a person engaging in coercive control against another person with whom they are in a relevant relationship (such as a spouse, intimate partner, or family member). To be found guilty, the behaviour must be intended to coerce or control the other person and must be reasonably likely to cause them harm, which includes mental or emotional distress.
The term course of conduct is the cornerstone of Hannah’s Law. Because coercive control is rarely about one single “big” event, the law now looks at the cumulative effect of many smaller incidents over time.
What constitutes a course of conduct? It can include a wide range of behaviours that, when viewed together, create a trap for the victim. Examples include:
The court now looks at the totality of these actions. Even if no single act is a crime on its own, the pattern of behaviour as a whole can now lead to a criminal conviction.
The introduction of Hannah’s Law brought with it some of the strictest penalties in the country. In Queensland, the maximum penalty for the standalone offence of coercive control is 14 years imprisonment.
This high penalty reflects the gravity of the crime. The Queensland government and the judiciary have recognized that coercive control is often a precursor to lethal violence. By setting a 14 year maximum, the law sends a clear message: the psychological destruction of another human being is a major crime that warrants significant time behind bars.
For defendants, this means that these charges must be taken with the utmost seriousness. A conviction not only carries the risk of a lengthy prison sentence but also results in a permanent criminal record that will impact employment, travel, and every aspect of future life.
Because coercive control is based on a course of conduct rather than a single physical injury, these cases are often complex and rely heavily on nuanced evidence. This might include years of text messages, financial records, and witness testimonies from friends, family, or neighbours in the Jindalee community.
For those seeking protection, it is vital to have a lawyer who understands how to document and present this pattern of behaviour to the court to ensure a Protection Order or criminal charge is effectively managed.
For those who have been accused, the stakes have never been higher. The subjective nature of “emotional distress” and “control” means that legal representation is crucial to ensure that the context of the relationship is accurately portrayed and that your rights are protected under the law.
Located conveniently in the heart of the Centenary suburbs, Jindalee Lawyers provides expert guidance in all areas of criminal and family law. We understand that cases involving domestic violence and coercive control are deeply personal and often involve immense pressure.
Our team is committed to providing a safe, confidential environment where you can discuss your situation. Whether you are seeking a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) for protection or require a robust defence against a criminal charge, we offer the local expertise and high level advocacy needed in the Brisbane Magistrates Court.
What sets us apart is our commitment to our local community. We know that these issues affect families right here in Jindalee, Mt Ommaney, and Middle Park. We are not just your lawyers; we are your neighbours, and we are dedicated to ensuring that justice is served fairly and compassionately.
The implementation of Hannah’s Law marks a new era in Queensland’s justice system. It is an era where the law finally recognizes that bruises aren’t the only signs of abuse. By criminalising the course of conduct that defines coercive control, the state has provided a new tool to protect the vulnerable and hold perpetrators accountable.
However, new laws bring new complexities. If you or someone you know is affected by these changes, do not try to navigate the system alone. The 14 year maximum penalty is a reminder of how serious these matters are, and the definition of coercive control is broad enough to cover many aspects of modern relationships.
If you have questions about Hannah’s Law or any other criminal law matter in Brisbane, reach out to the team at Jindalee Lawyers. Visit our website at jindaleelaw.com.au to book a consultation and learn how we can support you through this transition.