Times Further changes to DV laws to criminalise coercive control

SARI RUSSO https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ coercive-control

THIS week’s column follows up on last week’s editor column, where I discussed domestic violence—highlighting new legislation that just passed Parliament to start the changes required to combat coercive controlling behaviour.

Historically, Coercive Control has not been understood, focusing instead on physical violence. Now Coercive Controlling Behaviour will become a criminal offence by the end of 2023.

Coercive control refers to a pattern of controlling behaviours that create an unequal power dynamic in a relationship. These behaviours give the perpetrator power over their partner, making it difficult for them to leave.

Sometimes, coercive control can escalate into physical abuse. However, even when it does not escalate, coercive control is a form of emotional abuse that can cause psychological trauma.

The first tranche of legislative amendments passed by the Labor Government took effect August 1, paving the way towards the new standalone coercive control domestic violence offence set to take effect at the end of 2023.

These amendments focus on the pattern of abusive behaviour that occurs over time and is not limited to single incidents of abuse.

The amendments also deliver reforms to change the description of a consenting sexual “relationship” for children, which has been long advocated for by sexual assault survivors.

Training for justice agencies, information to raise awareness within the community, increased resourcing, and development of new programs to hold perpetrators to account are reforms being supported.

IN response to community feedback, CCRC has reviewed payment options and implemented changes to address issues raised by residents.

Since July 1, 2022, CCRC transitioned its administration facilities and libraries to EFTPOS payments only.

CCRC is aware of an event held at ANZAC Park in Innisfail in June 2023, and received correspondence from members of the public regarding this decision.

At the Local Government meeting in July 2023, CCRC adopted the following recommendations to continue to support residents and those most vulnerable in our community. They included:

• CCRC will continue to accept Australian banknotes and coins, as well as EFTPOS payments at all transfer stations across the Cassowary Coast

• Approve an amendment to the 2023/24 Fees and Charges to provide for 'Free of Charge' printing at all CCRC Libraries for eligible concession card holders; and

• Note that the current arrangement of ‘No additional cost or surcharge’ applied by CCRC for use of Debit/ Credit (EFTPOS) cards continues.

CCRC CEO, Andrew Graffen said as a Council we have listened to the community’s feedback and acknowledge their views and recognise that Australian banknotes and coins are a legal tender.

CCRC acknowledge it is not within the remit of Council to advocate for a 'cashless society', and CCRC does not presume to do so. CCRC recognises and supports the importance of choice for individual organisations and businesses within the Cassowary Coast.

“As the CEO, I do however have legislative responsibilities under the Local Government Act 2009 to ensure the system of local government is accountable, effective, efficient and sustainable.

“CCRC has implemented this change to improve hygiene for staff and residents, reduce the impacts of security costs, risk of crime and wait times as well as to be able to provide payment plans for residents managing household budgets,” said Mr Graffen.

“This resolution will ensure the community can continue to pay with banknotes and coins at Waste Transfer Stations and will ensure eligible concession card holders are able to print for free at Council Libraries.

“CCRC will continue to support the payment decisions made by the current contractors who manage the four public swimming pool complexes and acknowledge their decision to accept banknotes, coins, and EFTPOS payments.

“CCRC recognises the growing preference for many of our ratepayers and residents to use EFTPOS or online payment methods. However, there are 12 licensed post offices within our region that ratepayers can use to pay banknotes, coins, and EFTPOS for bills,” said Mr Graffen.

CCRC is committed to modernising its practices and improving the experience of customers with Council.