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^{30 June 2023}

SEE THE SIGNS of Coercive Control

The State Government and Legal Services Commission have launched a campaign to raise community awareness of ‘coercive control’ and the associated behaviours which make up this form of domestic abuse.

The term ‘coercive control’ is becoming increasingly known in the community, and this campaign continues to grow awareness about the patterns of behaviour, which can include emotional abuse, psychological abuse, and financial abuse.

Coercive control can also include a perpetrator: isolating you from friends and family, always needing to know your movements, telling you what you can and can’t wear, and not letting you control your own money.

Importantly, this campaign provides information about where a person experiencing coercive control might seek help – including crisis support services, social support services and legal services.

The campaign also articulates that Intervention Orders can be sought by anyone subjected to these behaviours.

In South Australia there does not need to be any criminal charges laid by police for a Magistrate to grant an Intervention Order. Intervention Orders may be granted when it can be shown that a person is at risk of harm should an Intervention Order not be granted.

The ‘See The Signs of Coercive Control’ campaign is targeted at a broad South Australian audience (18-55+), and builds on the ‘red flags’ campaign undertaken by the Department of Human Services, targeted at young people. 

“Coercive control is an insidious form of domestic abuse, and to stop it, we need to grow the South Australian community’s awarenss of the term itself, along with identifying what those controlling behaviours look like,” Attorney-General Kyam Maher said.

“This campaign will grow awareness about the patterns of behaviour, while empowering people to seek the help they need, including seeking Intervention Orders.

“I thank the Legal Services Commission for undertaking this campaign activity, and for the work its staff does in the domestic and family violence space.

“The State Government is committed to criminalising coercive control, with consultation on draft legislation expected later this year.”

Legal Services Commission CEO Gabrielle Canny said: “Domestic and family violence is a scourge in this country, and sadly we’re all too familiar with the appalling statistic that on average, one woman per week is murdered by her current or former partner.

“Legal Services is proud of this work and of this campaign, and we acknowledge the significant amount of work that has occurred across government and in the non-government sector in tackling this horrible form of domestic abuse.

“We know that many people who have experienced coercive control, particularly women, don’t necessarily seek help unless they have also experienced physical or sexual forms of abuse.

“The community at large needs to be aware that coercive control is an insidious form of abuse that can often be a precursor to physical or sexual violence.

“The clear message to the South Australian community is that coercive control is unacceptable, but there is help available.

“Immediate help to stop the behaviour can be accessed through an Intervention Order. The Order is a legal measure designed to protect the applicant from various forms of harm, including coercive control. There does not need to be any criminal charges laid by police for an Intervention Order to be granted.

“The Legal Services Commission’s Women’s Domestic Violence Court Assistance Service (WDVCAS) provides support to hundreds of South Australian women each year – with around 1,500 legal advice sessions provided so far in 2022-23.

“The Legal Services Commission’s Free Legal Helpline – 1300 366 424 – is there for people seeking legal help and information about Intervention Orders and can provide referals to other services providing support for a person experiencing domestic and family violence – including coercive control.”

Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Katrine Hildyard said: “Sadly, domestic violence occurs through incidents of physical violence AND through patterns of coercive controlling behaviour that aim to diminish a person’s sense of self.

“Shockingly, in 99% of domestic violence homicides, coercive, controlling behaviour was a factor before that horrific final act. This represents a compelling call to urgent action.

“Our Government is committed to tackling every form of domestic violence and has a comprehensive strategy to do so. Criminalising coercive control and building community awareness about it is a crucial part of what we are progressing.

“In the lead up to legislation being introduced, this important campaign, which builds on our See the Signs campaign launched earlier this year, is focused on ensuring South Australians understand what it is and how they can seek support or help a loved one experiencing it.

“We are deeply committed to doing what is within our power to tackle every form of domestic violence; this campaign is an important plank in that effort.”