Coercive Control
Leanne has worked to raise awareness of coercive control and has advocated for stronger legal protections in the ACT.
Why This Matters
Coercive control can involve patterns of behaviour used to dominate, isolate, intimidate or restrict another person’s independence.
It may not always involve physical violence, but can still have serious and lasting effects on victims and families.
This information is general in nature and is not legal advice.
Leanne’s Work on Coercive Control
- 2024
Private Member’s Bill
Leanne Castley sponsored the Crimes (Coercive Control) Amendment Bill 2024, presented in the ACT Legislative Assembly on 25 June 2024.
The Bill did not proceed after being negatived on 27 August 2024.
- 2025
Continued Advocacy
Leanne continued publicly advocating for coercive-control legislation and stronger protections for people experiencing domestic and family violence.
- 2026
Ongoing Focus
Coercive control remains an issue Leanne has identified as important to her work in public life.
Why the Issue Is Personal
Leanne has spoken publicly about witnessing domestic and family violence affecting people close to her while growing up.
She has described those experiences as part of the reason she has pushed for stronger recognition and action on coercive control.
Read Leanne’s ABC interviewPersonal experiences are presented here only in the restrained context Leanne has discussed publicly.
Need Support?
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, specialist support services are available.
Leanne’s office is not an emergency or crisis-support service.
Specialist support contacts to be confirmed before production.