Historic laws have been passed by the Queensland Parliament to criminalise coercive control and address domestic, family and sexual violence around the state
The Redlands Branch, Centre for Women & Co., an advocacy and support organisation, recognised the change surrounding the announcement.
Chief Executive Officer Stacey Ross said their organisation was invited to Parliament House to celebrate the passing of the laws.
“The affirmative consent legislations criminalise stealthing (tampering or removing of protection) [and] coercive control is now a standalone criminal offence,” she said.
“A permanent commissioner was established for victims and a sexual violence review board.
“This aims to enhance the criminal justice system responses for survivors of sexual violence through placing empathy and effectiveness at the forefront of the system.
“These changes signify the acknowledgement of the trauma and barriers survivors face when interfacing with the criminal justice system [and] it also highlights the focus on recovery and healing for survivors.
“Wednesday was a major milestone for survivors of sexual violence and domestic and family violence across the state.”
The reforms change how frontline services and courts respond to cases, as part of Criminal Law.
