Today I stood alongside my Parliamentary colleagues as the NSW Government's new public campaign on coercive control was launched at Parliament House.

The campaign will accompany the legislative changes, taking effect from 1 July. Coercive control is insidious and can manifest in many ways.

It is a pattern of behaviour which may include financial abuse, threats against pets or loved ones, tracking someone’s movements, or isolating them from friends and family to control them.

It was wonderful to meet Jess Hill, who has been a pioneer in the area, at the launch. Jess's book, 'See what you made me do: Power, Control and Domestic Abuse' played a significant role in getting the new legislation over the line and into public awareness. It was fantastic to have her there today supporting the campaign.

The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Coercive Control) Act 2022 will criminalise coercive control in current or former intimate partner relationships in NSW starting from 1 July 2024. If found guilty, perpetrators can face up to a maximum of 7 years in prison.