Coercive control is a newly criminalised behaviour in NSW, designed to capture patterns of controlling, intimidating or degrading conduct in intimate relationships. Allegations are taken extremely seriously by police and courts — and the charge is often laid in situations where the evidence is complex, incomplete or built from long histories of conflict.
If you have been charged, or believe you may be charged, it is essential to get legal advice as early as possible. Coercive control offences are evidence-heavy, legally technical, and can have life-changing consequences if not handled properly.
At Lenz Legal we act only for the accused. You are presumed innocent unless and until the prosecution proves every element of the charge beyond reasonable doubt.
Coercive control became a criminal offence under Part 3, Division 6A of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). It is defined as a course of conduct by an adult towards a current or former intimate partner that:
Unlike other domestic violence offences, coercive control is about patterns, not single incidents. This makes the charge uniquely vulnerable to misunderstandings, exaggeration and one-sided narratives
Police may allege behaviours such as:
Some of these behaviours overlap with other domestic violence offences, including:
Threaten or Cause Fear of Harm
To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove every element beyond reasonable doubt:
There must be two or more incidents of abusive behaviour — not isolated events.
Police often try to rely on broad summaries rather than precise evidence.
This can include emotional, psychological, economic or intimidatory conduct.
But not every unpleasant interaction meets the legal threshold.
This typically involves intimate partners or former partners (see the definition on the DFV page).
This is a critical element.
Intent must be proven — it cannot be assumed simply because conflict occurred.
This is where many cases fall apart. The prosecution must link behaviour → impact → substantial disruption.
If even one element is not proven, you must be found not guilty.
We regularly see allegations in situations where:
It is common for police to assemble a “summary of behaviour” that blends minor incidents with more serious claims. A key part of our role is identifying what is supported by evidence — and what is not.
Coercive control matters often involve:
A major challenge is that prosecutors sometimes rely on interpretation, not evidence.
Our role is to separate facts from assumptions — and to challenge material that is hearsay, misinterpreted or taken out of context.
Depending on the case, options may include:
Coercive control cases are complex. The right defence depends on a full review of evidence and the exact allegations made.
Coercive control is treated as a serious domestic violence offence. The maximum penalty is up to 7 years’ imprisonment.
Courts assess coercive control allegations differently from single-incident offences. In practice, they consider:
Not every coercive control charge results in a conviction. Depending on the evidence and circumstances, outcomes may include:
Your outcome will depend on the specific facts, the strength of the police case, and your personal circumstances.
Coercive control investigations move quickly. Getting advice early can:
When you speak with Lenz Legal, you will deal directly with a criminal defence lawyer who will:
Threaten or Cause Fear of Harm
Destroy or Damage Property – DV
Two or more incidents. They must be connected in a way that shows a pattern — not separate, unrelated events.
The prosecution must prove actual fear of violence, or serious alarm or distress that impacts daily life. This is one of the most contested elements.
Yes. It often appears together with assault, intimidation, AVO breaches or threats.
Get legal advice before speaking to police or responding to allegations.
Contact Lenz Legal to discuss your situation confidentially.
We provide expert advice and representation fearlessly protecting the rights and liberty of our clients whether charged with serious indictable offences, summary offences or driving offences. Call us now to see just what is possible.
Let us help now
