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Victim Survivor Voice reflection survey - coercive control

Sisters in Spirit Aboriginal Corporation ('SISAC') and Women's Health Matters ACT (WHM) want to hear from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who have lived and living experience of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence (DFSV) and Coercive Control, or workers who support them in Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).

About this survey
This survey is part of WHC and SISAC's Victim Survivor Voice pilot program, aimed at improving justice system responses and community awareness of coercive control in the ACT.

Your insights will directly inform ACT reforms on coercive control. Early outcomes from this consultation will be shared with the ACT Government to centre the voices of victim survivors in this important work.

The survey should take approximately 10-20 minutes to complete.

None of the questions are mandatory, so you can provide as much or as little information as you'd like.
It is possible that some of what you share will be reflected in direct quotes used in Victim Survivor Voice submissions and recommendations. Your quote will never use your full or real name, and we will ensure that it cannot be used to identify you in any way. Your participation is voluntary and your responses will be kept confidential. Your information and personal details will be managed in accordance with the WHM Privacy Policy.

If you would prefer to provide feedback in a different way (written, verbal or artistic) or arrange a time to discuss your thoughts in a phone call, please email us at voices@sisters.org.au, or call us on (02) 6257 0794

[INSERT INFORMATION ABOUT REIMBURSEMENT FOR SURVEY COMPLETION ONCE AGREED]

I need support now
Please note that the Victim Survivor Voice is not a support service. Visit the WHM website support services.

What is the current ACT legislation?
Coercive control is not a standalone criminal offence in the ACT right now. Coercive control is captured under the Family Violence Act 2016, allowing for Family Violence Orders (FVOs) to be sought to respond to this behaviour. Breaches of FVOs are criminal offences.

A bit more background
In late September 2025, the ACT Minister for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence will be responding to a Legislative Assembly motion about the possibility of making coercive control a standalone criminal offence in the ACT. Findings from this phase of the Victim Survivor Voice will be used to inform the ACT Government about what is important to victim survivors in this and future reform work.
1.How do Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victims/Survivors (Women) understand coercive control?
2.Does the term 'coercive control' make sense, or would you describe it differently?
3.What, if anything, have you heard about coercive control and the new laws in the ACT?
4.Where is that information coming from?
5.Is this information reaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in a way that feels safe and accessible?
Not at all
Absolutely
6.Who might be missing out?
7.How are mainstream services (police, courts, child protection, support services, employers etc) responding to coercive control involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women?
8.What are they getting wrong or misunderstanding?
9.Do Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women feel these laws will make them safer?
Not at all
Absolutely
10.What concerns or barriers might affect trust or willingness to use them?
11.What would a strong, culturally grounded response to coercive control look like? What would this look like if it wasn't a police response?
12.What should government and services be doing differently, including the role of Aboriginal community-controlled organisations?
13.Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Please feel welcome to email us at voices@sisters.org.au if you would like to share a longer response, or submit your feedback in another format (such as a work of art, poetry or a voice memo).