- 62% of Australians believe coercive control is too difficult to prove, whilst only 49% know it is illegal in certain states
- Fear and distrust are major barriers, with 64% believing reporting would worsen their situation and 57% concerned police won't believe them
- One in six Australians have experienced coercive control, while one in three have witnessed it in someone close to them
- Only 31% know where to seek help, and 67% have never seen public information about coercive control
- 90% of Australians believe stronger education about coercive control is needed nationwide
A new national survey of 500 Australians has revealed that 62% believe coercive control is “too hard to prove”, making it one of the strongest barriers preventing victims from reporting abuse to police.
The research, commissioned by Faraj Defence Lawyers, shows that although coercive control is now criminalised in NSW, QLD & SA, only 49% of Australians know it is illegal, and fear, shame and distrust in the system continue to silence victims.
Key Findings
• 62% say coercive control is too difficult to prove
• 64% fear reporting will make the situation worse
• 57% fear they won’t be believed by police
• 42% don’t trust police or courts to handle coercive control cases
• 1 in 6 Australians (17%) have experienced coercive control
• 1 in 3 (31%) have witnessed it in someone close
• 67% have never seen public information about coercive control
• Only 31% know where to seek help
• 90% say Australia needs stronger education around coercive control
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Expert Commentary — Ahmad Faraj, Principal Solicitor, Faraj Defence Lawyers
Ahmad Faraj says the survey highlights a “dangerous disconnect” between the law and real-world safety:
“The numbers show a justice system that victims don’t feel safe engaging with.
When 62% of Australians think coercive control is too hard to prove, and more than half fear they won’t be believed, that tells us the legal framework is not enough on its own.
Coercive control is built on fear, isolation and manipulation. These behaviours rarely leave visible injuries. That’s why victims need confidence that police and courts understand the patterns, not just the incidents.
Faraj says the survey results show urgent need for training, awareness and simplified reporting options, noting that most Australians still have no idea where to turn for help.
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Lived Experience — Jo Yates
To illustrate how coercive control plays out in real life, Jo Yates, who experienced coercive control as a teenager, has shared her story to support the campaign.
Jo Yates, says:
“I was in a coercive controlling relationship when I was in my late teens.
My boyfriend would turn up at my college — 45 minutes away — without warning. If I went out at night, he would drive to every nightclub in the area to find me. He once threw himself behind my car when I tried to leave because I felt unsafe.
This was in the 90s, before tracking on phones existed. Instead, he called my mobile hundreds of times a day if he couldn’t reach me.
Every time I tried to end the relationship, he threatened to harm himself. Eventually I did leave — and he followed through on those threats and took his own life.
I carried the guilt of that for most of my adult life. In my late 30s and early 40s, I suffered a breakdown and was diagnosed with PTSD. After 18 months of therapy I’ve rebuilt my life, but I’m still extremely cautious of any controlling behaviour in relationships.”
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Public Education Falling Short
Despite coercive control laws being passed in NSW (2023), QLD (2024) & SA (2025), two-thirds of Australians (67%) say they haven’t seen any public awareness campaigns — raising concerns that reforms aren’t reaching the community.
90% of Australians in the survey said they want more public information about coercive control, warning signs and available support.
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About the Survey
• Sample: 500 Australians aged 18+
• Method: Nationally representative online panel
• Date: October 2025
• Margin of Error: ±4.4%
• Commissioned by: Faraj Defence Lawyers
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