YWCA Canberra welcomes the announcement today by the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Dr Marisa Paterson to introduce legislation to criminalise coercive control by mid-2026.
Speaking at a media doorstop today alongside Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Director of Policy and Advocacy at YWCA Canberra, Leah Dwyer said “we have always been longstanding advocates to see this reform in the ACT and have followed progress in the Assembly and elsewhere. It is a relief that this work is commencing”.
Coercive control is an insidious form of violence that can feature physical and non-physical forms of violence including financial and psychological abuse. It was present in nine of the 12 domestic and family violence homicides which were reviewed by the ACT Government as part of the Domestic and Family Violence Review Biennial Report 2023.
“Coercive controlling behaviour is present throughout our clients’ stories. Intimidation, isolation, harassment and threats of violence are commonly shared”. – Leah Dwyer, Director of Policy & Advocacy
YWCA Canberra has closely followed progress on this important area of law-reform for years and have repeatedly urged the government to pursue a stand-alone criminal offence in the ACT to capture the tapestry of behaviours our clients are reporting.
“The work in ensuring we get the law right in this space must start now, because we know it will take time, data, resources and consultation. In welcoming this announcement, we are not alone. Victim-survivors have also consistently asked for coercive control to criminalised”. – Leah Dwyer, Director of Policy and Advocacy
Guided by our mission “Girls and Women Thriving” YWCA Canberra has always been willing to collaborate on significant pieces of law reform that impact on the community. Our approach to advocacy is non-partisan and driven by improving the lives of Canberrans.
We look forward to continuing to make a valuable contribution to this important reform.
About YWCA Canberra
YWCA Canberra is a feminist not-for-profit organisation that has been providing community services and advocating for gender equality in the ACT since 1929. We work across early childhood education and care, housing and homelessness, youth services, women’s leadership, and advocacy. Our mission is to strengthen communities by supporting women, young people, and families through inclusive and innovative programs.
YWCA Canberra media contact:
Eleanor Sander O’Hearn
Executive Director Communications Advocacy and Engagement
eleanor.sanderohearn@ywca-canberra.org.au
0475 240 101