This page provides guidance for service providers supporting migrant and refugee women experiencing family violence through coercive control.
On this page you will find an overview of the information in our ‘Understanding Coercive Control’ resource. To read the full resource, click on the ‘Download Full Resource’ button below.
Coercive control is defined as a pattern of behavior aimed at dominating and controlling another person, often through manipulation and intimidation. It involves various tactics to limit autonomy, isolate victim survivors from support networks, and instill fear to maintain power and control.
Many of the behaviours used as part of coercive control are unlawful, including forced labour, servitude, and financial abuse. In Victoria, the Victorian Family Violence Protection Act includes coercive behaviour in its definition of family violence, allowing individuals experiencing coercive control to obtain a family violence intervention order for protection.
Coercive control behaviours include isolation, monitoring and surveillance, financial control, emotional and psychological abuse, threats and intimidation, sexual coercion, micromanaging, manipulation and gaslighting, and using children to control the victim-survivor.
These dynamics may differ within Australia’s diverse migrant and refugee communities, where cultural norms can influence how coercive control manifests. In certain contexts, family roles shaped by cultural and religious beliefs may be manipulated to justify and rationalise controlling behaviours in relationships.
See below factors that compound a migrant and refugees experience of coercive control and some examples of how it is experienced:
Using language as a tool of isolation. Refusing to allow the victim to learn English or acting as the sole interpreter to misrepresent her wishes.
Cutting ties with family back home or local community groups. Preventing attendance at cultural or religious events.
Manipulating cultural values of shame or honor to silence the victim. Threatening to shame her within the community.
Threatening deportation or withdrawal of sponsorship. Hiding passports, withholding visa documentation and sabotaging residency and citizenship efforts.
Misinformation about Australian law. Threats that police or courts are corrupt or will take children away.
Not being able to work or attend education. Demanding dowry payments, or saying the marriage will end if financial demands are not met.
Involving family members exert control through adherence to cultural or family norms. Using children as pawns or weapons to manipulate behaviour.
Financial abuse is a common tactic used to maintain power and control over victim survivors. This can include:
In some cultures honor-based violence may be used to enforce compliance and uphold family reputation. This may include:
Perpetrators may exploit cultural or religious beliefs to impose strict rules or limitations on the victim-survivors behaviour, clothing, and social interactions. This can include:
Language barriers can exacerbate feelings of isolation and dependency, making it difficult for victim-survivors to seek help or communicate their experiences. Perpetrators may:
Various forms of servitude intersect with coercive control, creating a dynamic where victim-survivors are compelled to undertake tasks such as house cleaning, caregiving, or other laborious duties without fair compensation or consent. This may also be in the form of sexual servitude involves the threat, use of force, or detainment of another against their will for the provision of sexual services.
It is important to recognize that servitude is a Commonwealth Criminal Offence, and victims should be encouraged to report such instances to the Australian Federal Police for assistance and intervention.
Recognising coercive control often requires digging beneath the surface, as evidence may not be obvious. Effective communication involves asking targeted questions and actively listening to clients’ experiences to uncover subtle patterns indicative of coercive control.
Ensure privacy and confidentiality by speaking to the woman individually, away from her partner or family members and professional interpretation services to facilitate communication.
Recognise that the woman may have limited knowledge of legal and support systems and provide information in a clear and accessible manner.
Create a supportive and non-threatening environment where the woman feels comfortable expressing herself and seeking assistance. Inform the woman about available support services and resources, emphasizing that help is available when she is ready to access it. Reply
Practice active listening without imposing personal judgments or biases, allowing the woman to share her experience openly and without fear of judgment. Respect her autonomy and decision-making, acknowledging that this is her experience.
Believe and validate her experiences and ensure safety.
Assess risk and tailor safety plans to her specific circumstances.
Provide culturally competent and language-accessible services. Use female interpreters where appropriate.
Work with other service providers, establish clear referral pathways to connect survivors with specialised services.
Encourage decision-making, provide information on available support services and legal rights, offer emotional support and schedule follow-up appointments.
These example questions can help identify coercive control:
“What does he do when he wants to hurt you?”
“Do you have access to money when you need to?”
“Do you feel like you have to justify your actions or choices to your partner?”
“What do you use to buy yourself something?”
Fatima is a 35-year-old woman who immigrated to Australia five years ago with her husband, Ahmed, and their two children. Fatima’s cultural background values family honor and obedience to male authority figures. She speaks limited English and relies on Ahmed to communicate with others and manage household affairs.
Presentation
Fatima presents to a women’s local community support centre seeking assistance with her marital situation. She appears anxious and hesitant to speak, often glancing at Ahmed for reassurance.
Upon further inquiry, Fatima discloses that Ahmed controls all aspects of her life, including finances, social interactions, and even her clothing choices. She expresses fear of Ahmed’s anger and retaliation.
Outcome
You are not alone. Specialist multicultural support is available.
Victoria’s 24/7 family violence response centre for crisis support.
National sexual assault, domestic family violence counselling service.
Help for those experiencing family violence.
Support and emergency relief for temporary visa holders and people with an uncertain visa status to help meet their basic needs
