As of 26 May 2025, Queensland enacted significant legal reforms under the Criminal Law (Coercive Control and Affirmative Consent) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (‘The Amendment Act’). These changes, aim to increase protections against domestic and sexual violence, aligning Queensland with national efforts to combat coercive control and promote affirmative consent.
This amendment is known as ‘Hannah’s Law’.
DFV Law Update: First Person Convicted Under 'Hannah's Law' (August 2025)
In early August 2025, a Cairns man become the first person convicted under Queensland’s newly introduced coercive control laws. The man received a sentence of two years of imprisonment following a disturbing pattern of abuse described by the court as “intimate terrorism.”
The standalone Coercive Control offence which came into effect in Queensland’s Criminal Code on 26 May 2025, the Offence, punishable by a maximum of 14 years imprisonment, targets sustained patterns of behaviour designed to isolate, intimidate, and control a partner, whether through physical or non-physical means.
Details of the Offending Behaviour
The Cairns man’s conduct spanned over two days and included threats, physical assaults, property damage, and psychological manipulation. He pleaded guilty to six offences, including coercive control, common assault, and wilful damage. Under the new legislation-despite having a maximum term of 14 years’ imprisonment- the matter can be dealt with summarily in the Magistrates’ jurisdiction, on the prosecution’s election and a plea of guilty.
How the Court Responded to the New Legislation
In his sentencing remarks, Magistrate Jakub Lodziak acknowledged the complexity of sentencing under the new law, noting the absence of precedent and the challenge of distinguishing overlapping offences. Despite this, the court emphasised the gravity of coercive control, which can inflict long-term harm and escalate over time.
The man’s early guilty plea and history of trauma were considered in mitigation, but the court ultimately imposed a custodial sentence, with parole eligibility set for December 2025.
Coercive Control and Its Relationship to Other Offences
Whilst the coercive control charge is a ‘standalone’ charge, since its inception, it is routinely accompanied by other offences involving domestic violence (such as stalking, assault occasioning bodily harm). This clearly highlights that coercive control can be subtle behaviour; however it is the foundation of a toxic relationship and typically goes in hand with other notable domestic violence offences.
Magistrate Lodziak imposed the two-year sentence on the Coercive Control charge and convicted-but did not further punish- the domestic violence charges of assault and wilful damage, as the conduct was considered part of the coercive control offence.
Why This Case Matters
This case underscores the critical importance of recognising coercive control as a distinct and serious form of domestic violence—one that extends beyond physical abuse to encompass patterns of psychological manipulation, intimidation, and control that erode a victim’s autonomy and safety over time.
This conviction demonstrates the necessity for both legal clarity and robust police enforcement.
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At Elysian Law, we understand the serious impact these matters can have on your personal and professional life. Our team is here to support you with expert legal representation tailored to your circumstances.
If You Need Help
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, support is available:
Emergency: Call 000 (triple zero) if you are in immediate danger.
1800RESPECT – 24/7 National Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service
Call 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.auDV Connect (Queensland) – 24-hour crisis support for women
Call 1800 811 811 | www.dvconnect.orgMensline Australia – Support for men
Call 1300 78 99 78 | www.mensline.org.au
