What is Coercive Control?
Coercive control is a pattern of behaviour used to dominate, intimidate, and isolate another person. Coercive control can involve emotional, psychological, financial, cultural, or spiritual abuse. It’s often subtle and hard to recognise, but over time it can severely impact a person’s freedom and well-being. This form of abuse commonly occurs in intimate relationships but can also happen within families or other caring relationships.
Recognising coercive control is an important step in understanding how abuse can take many forms—and why it’s crucial to take all of them seriously.
For further information regarding Coercive control and recognising the signs, see the following resources:
WA Government Coercive Control information
Attorney-Generals Department: Understanding Coercive Control
E-safety: Coercive control through digital technologies
Family and Domestic Violence Support Services
1800 Respect National Helpline: 1800 737 732
Women’s Crisis Line: 1800 811 811
Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491
Lifeline: 131 114
