Coercive Control
In a society where 51 per cent are female, gender inequity has made advances in a male-dominated world, a given for men. Many a door has been closed to females who design to advance in a male-dominated society, but with the glass ceiling barrier a bridge too far, reinforcing traditional gender roles. Control in the hands of movers in a patriarchal system condoning silencing females as a lesser breed, is an abuse of power. In every stratum of society, there are those recognised as powerful members of institutions whose behaviours are never questioned. At the base level in the home and family, one of a most prevalent examples of a microcosm of society, power rules. Physically, in a male-female relationship, men are more powerful. This gives them a natural advantage in interrelationship conflict. There are many ways to enforce control in relationships, particularly in the home, isolated by the privacy of four walls. In times past, for centuries a “domestic” was private and not interfered with from outside. Even Victoria English law condoned husbands hitting wives with a stick no thicker than a man’s thumb. But the most sinister and insidious behaviours behind closed doors, even in the third millennium, are still undermining the productivity potential of our society. Hence, it is in the best interests of any authorities to address the intergenerational, global scourge of violence against women. Maintaining a regimen of behaviour and way of living according to one person’s perspective and mandate, that of a violent and controlling perpetrator, ensures compliance from victims for directives. These women and children, coerced by intimidation and fear, cannot reach their full potential, constantly keeping life free of tension and threat of violence, walking on eggshells, fearing retribution. Coercive control is a devastating agenda to subjugate women in their personal and family life. While Queensland is taking steps to pass laws to criminalise “coercive control”, N.S.W. has now passed the law where “coercive control” is declared a crime. Protection of our most vulnerable, subject to violations of human rights and protection from violence, especially in personal relationships, should be the top priority of governments and lawmakers. It is generations in the making.