In 2024 the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) developed an advertising campaign to educate the NSW public about coercive control.

The campaign aimed to increase awareness and understanding of coercive control and support the implementation of the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Coercive Control) Act 2022.

The campaign ran across digital and social media channels, and in targeted out-of-home placements. DCJ is now launching an additional tailored campaign for older people and people with disability.

This year’s campaign message

Coercive control is when someone repeatedly hurts, scares, or isolates another person to control them.

It’s domestic abuse and can cause serious harm.

Coercive control isn’t always physical. It can include restricting your access to basic needs like food and disability supports.

Learn more about coercive control at nsw.gov.au/coercive-control/disability-and-older-people

Coercive control and vulnerable populations

Older people and people with disability can experience coercive control in different ways. This may include:

• a carer, family member or partner controlling their money
• limiting their social life or making all their decisions for them
• threatening to withhold disability supports or medication.

More information and support

There are new laws in NSW about coercive control.

Visit the NSW Government’s coercive control website to view the ads and learn more about coercive control.

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing coercive control, there’s help available. Call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for 24/7 support.