A women's advocacy group is calling for the "coercive control" form of domestic abuse to be made a crime in South Australia.
Port Pirie Domestic Violence Action Group chairwoman Jenny Lewis welcomed decisions by New South Wales and Queensland to criminalise "coercive control".
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She said it was a kind of domestic abuse in which the offender exploited and controlled a victim leading them to feel terrified, isolated, trapped and "walking on eggshells in their home, their environment and their relationship".
"'Coercive control' is harder to identify than other forms of abuse because it is subtle," she said.
"The initial charm of a relationship is quickly replaced by the victim being threatened, intimidated and isolated from family and friends.
"A victim's movements are monitored with the perpetrator constantly wanting to know who the victim is with and who they are calling and texting, leading to victim losing their freedom, independence, self-esteem and sense of self.
"It erodes a victim's human rights and dignity and leads to physical, emotional and financial health being disrupted.
"Any reforms that make 'coercive control' a crime are welcomed by the group because it will be another step in making women and children safer."
Prevention of Domestic Violence Minister Katrine Hildyard was asked whether the state government would legislate on "coercive control".
"I am concerned at the prevalence of 'coercive control', an insidious form of domestic abuse," she replied.
"Our government is determined to do what we can to help prevent domestic violence and sees criminalising 'coercive control' as a really important step forward.
"When the Labor Party was in opposition, I introduced a Bill to the parliament to criminalise 'coercive control', recognising that, as well as criminalising incidents of domestic violence, we must also address the terrible harm caused by patterns of behaviours that aim to control, threaten, demean and take away a person's sense of self-worth.
"Our election policy included a clear commitment to introduce legislation to criminalise 'coercive control'. We are delivering on this commitment.
"We will talk to those who have experienced 'coercive control', communities, service providers, other departments and organisations so that we get this legislation right."
Ms Hildyard said that she had met journalist Jess Hill and Professor Manjula Datta O'Connor to discuss lessons learned in other areas that had such laws.
She said talks about the laws and awareness would involve country people.
Greg Mayfield
As editor, I am responsible for 11 mastheads around the state. I have more than 45 years' experience in newspapers and digital platforms. I am lucky to have an enthusiastic and dedicated team of journalists working with me.
As editor, I am responsible for 11 mastheads around the state. I have more than 45 years' experience in newspapers and digital platforms. I am lucky to have an enthusiastic and dedicated team of journalists working with me.
