In June, the ACT Government introduced the ACT Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Strategy 2026-36 and released new legislation to criminalise coercive control, which will come into effect in two to three years’ time, following approval by the Legislative Assembly and passing of the Act into law. You can read WHM’s full statement about the Strategy here.
We acknowledge the courage of the survivor advocates who contributed their stories and insights to our reports which helped shape both the Strategy and the coercive control legislation (see ‘Too urgent to rush’: Victim Survivor Voice consultation report for improving ACT justice system responses and community awareness of coercive control and ‘It starts with disrespect’: Victim Survivor Voice consultation report for the development of the ACT Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Strategy).
We thank Minister Dr Marisa Paterson, MLA for recognising the contribution of victim survivors in the development of these initiatives, particularly for acknowledging the Too Urgent to Rush consultation report in the introduction of the drafted coercive control legislation.
Continuing the work of the Victim Survivor Voices project, Women’s Health Matters has partnered with Sisters in Spirit Aboriginal Corporation to consult with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-women working in Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOS) on the newly introduced ACT coercive control legislation.
Our work with Sisters in Spirit explores, among other topics, culturally grounded responses and community understanding of coercive control. We hope to advocate together for stronger, culturally informed approaches to addressing coercive control that reflect the knowledge, strengths, and needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, as well as the needs of all women in the ACT.