Law Week raises awareness of how everyone can combat coercive control

• Law Week 2023 (15-21 May) is being held across Australia to raise awareness of the legal system, and the importance of the legal community and its services.
• In Queensland, Law Week is an opportunity to help everyone understand how they can play a part to address coercive control ahead of new laws being introduced later this year.
• Criminalising coercive control was a key recommendation from the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce.

This week, Australia’s legal sector comes together for Law Week 2023, and to raise awareness about how we can all take part in combating coercive control.

Throughout Law Week, a range of community activities will be hosted, showcasing the importance of the legal system for all legal professions, students considering a career in law, and the public.

Law Week 2023 will also promote ways the community can help address the patterned nature of coercive control and better protect those at risk and understand new laws being introduced.

The message is important but simple – it is everyone’s responsibility to understand the many elements of domestic and family violence (DFV), including coercive control, and support is available for those impacted.

It aligns with the ongoing work of the Queensland Government to end DFV and coercive control, including the introduction of a standalone offence criminalising coercive control later this year.

Those attending Law Week 2023 activities are encouraged to learn more about Queensland’s new laws and how the community can continue to support those at risk of DFV.

For more information and support, visit https://www.qld.gov.au/law/law-week and www.qld.gov.au/domesticviolence.

Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Shannon Fentiman:

“Law Week is an incredible opportunity to bring the legal sector together, while educating Queenslanders about the importance of new laws.”

“I encourage all Queenslanders, and especially students who are considering a career in the law, to learn more about the many components of our legal system during Law Week.”

“That’s why we’re promoting the warning signs of coercive control, and how individuals, communities, and workplaces can help to end domestic and family violence.”

“This is also an important reminder to victims impacted by all forms of domestic and family violence – services are available that can offer support as well as practical advice and assistance.”

ENDS

Media contact – Natarjsha Kramer 0456 436 934