Intimate partner control a crime as Hannah's Law comes into effect

Sydney Morning Herald

26-05-2025

Domestic violence laws have become stronger in Queensland from Monday, with coercive control made a criminal offence.
The change comes after Hannah's Law – named after Brisbane mother Hannah Clarke, who was killed alongside her children by her partner – was passed in parliament in March last year.
The offence – which includes controlling, physical and non-physical forms of domestic and family violence, such as financial abuse and verbal abuse – can now attract a maximum penalty of 14 years' jail time.
Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said she hoped to see an increase in family and domestic violence charges with the new laws in effect, with more offenders picked up before abuse turned lethal.
'We have seen the loss of too many lives. One death is too many,' she said.
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'The tragic loss of Hannah Clarke and her three beautiful children – that is four deaths too many.'
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Amanda Camm said coercive control 'almost always' an unpinning dynamic in domestic abuse situations.
'It can include physical and non-physical forms of abuse and creates a climate of fear, humiliation, isolation, that over time, erodes the victim's sense of identity, freedom and independence,' Camm said.