Local solicitors give evidence at coercive control inquiry

SOLICITORS from two Dubbo community organisations gave evidence at the NSW Government’s inquiry into Coercive Control in Domestic Relationships on Monday.

The Inquiry, sparked by the deaths of Brisbane mother Hannah Clarke and her three children who were murdered by their husband and father, is contemplating new laws to criminalise coercive control.

Hannah Sinclair from Western NSW Community Legal Centre (WNSWCLC) and Tori Mines (WWLC) from Western Women’s Legal Support were invited to give evidence based on their written submission to the Inquiry which advocated for a holistic response to coercive control, including the introduction of a coercive control offence.

Coercive control describes non-physical elements of family and domestic abuse, whereby perpetrators exert power to control, coerce and isolate another person over a prolonged period of time.

Such controlling behaviour can be exercised through psychological or financial abuse, social isolation, stalking, denial of basic human needs or enforcing rules which dehumanise another.

Policy and law reform solicitor, Ms Robinson, said the trauma of coercive control on victims cab be much worse than physical injuries.

“Our clients frequently report that they would rather be hit every day of the week than be subjected to the degradation and control which they experience at the hands of their partners,” she said.

“Coercive control is also a significant risk indicator of future domestic violence homicide.”

However, the WNSWCLC and WWLS cautioned the Inquiry against rushing new criminal offence laws, stating that community consultation, particularly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other diverse communities, is needed.

“Whilst an urgent response to family and domestic abuse is needed, it must be a considered response and one that will provide meaningful change to those most in need of protection – victim-survivors,” the submission recommended.

“After all, we owe it to them not to make things worse.”

Following three days of hearings with evidence from 50 organisations and witnesses, a report is expected to be handed down in June.