This policy brief sets out the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service’s position on the criminalisation of coercive control. It draws on international research and experience, consultation with other organisations working in this space, and our own work with clients. Understanding the impact of any legal change on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria is essential before major reform is undertaken.
VALS’ position on coercive control has been informed by a continuing discussion among Aboriginal women who, bringing their expertise as researchers, activists and victim-survivors, have shone a light on the way responses to family violence are failing Aboriginal people.