Coercive control is the silent form of domestic violence that is not only under-reported but under-discussed and not often recognised.
It is well documented that domestic and family violence is a significantly under-reported crime and a complex crime for police to provide an effective response to.
Domestic and family violence involves an abuse of power, mainly perpetrated by men in an intimate partner relationship or after separating from the relationship.
It extends beyond physical violence and may involve the exploitation of power imbalances and patterns of abuse.
The NSW Parliament is currently conducting an inquiry to discuss, define and possibly criminalise coercive control behaviours.
Tanya Rogers, Family Safety Worker with Centacare New England North West and Melanie Gray, Oxley Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service Manager, joined Toni Ambrogetti and Tim Coates in the studio to discuss coercive control and how it affects our local community. WARNING: This podcast discusses domestic and family violence. If this raises any issues for you please consider how you feel before listening.
If you or someone you know needs help you can call LifeLine on 13 11 14 or 1800respect.