Legislating against Coercive Control (QLD)
BENEFITS
RISKS
Improving the legal systems response to all forms of domestic and family violence
Benefits to public health an safety of women and girls
Shows victim that support is out there
Victims more likely to speak up
Educative Functions
Teaches community about coercive control
People may not be aware they are in a coercive controlling relationship, and then can learn
Ensures perpetrators are trialed fairly
Fills the 'gap' in our current legal response to coercive and controlling behaviours
Some people may not know that this sort of coercion and controlling bahviour is a form of abuse
Would put focus on the perpetrator and not how the victim reacted after years of this type of abuse
May make for less homicide or grievous bodily harm cases as there is an option before 'snapping'
Net widening and overcrimislisation
What will the standard of proof be? and how to prove this?
Legislation that would narrow the breadth of the civil law response in the DFVP Act
Aligns with Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld)
The defense could be exploited by vexatious victims
The legal systems current definition of 'coercive control - Does not have one