Jess Pullar reports for Marie Claire
Coercive control is set to be criminalised in New South Wales, but activists are begging the NSW attorney general to slow down, saying the bill has the potential to "re-traumatise" victims if they, and experts aren't consulted properly.
The New South Wales government introduced its proposed coercive control laws to parliament this week, with Attorney General Mark Speakman reiterating that it could "mean the difference between life and death".
However, activists and domestic violence organisations are warning the bill has the potential to do more harm than good.
Former Australian of the Year and advocate Rosie Batty said;
If criminalisation is not given enough time for consultation with victim-survivors and experts in the field, the complex legislation has the potential to re-traumatise the people it was designed to protect
Victim support organisations Domestic Violence NSW, Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Centre, Women’s Legal Service NSW, and the Redfern Legal Centre are also calling for further consultation before the bill goes ahead.
They say that the legislation currently lacks a contextual definition of domestic abuse, which could cause confusion. They also said the laws would also be introduced before police had enough time for adequate training.
If this post brings up any issues for you, or if you feel like you need to speak to someone, please call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service or contact Full Stop Australia.
Read the full article (13 October 2022)
