ABC Radio

Dr Joy Townsend Talks Coercive Control

The Joint Standing Committee handed down its report on coercive control this week with members from all political persuasions unanimously recommending the pattern of behaviour be criminalised in this term of parliament.

The parliamentary committee has heard evidence from frontline services, police, academics and prosecutors over the past eight months.

It found the pattern of abusive behaviour in relationships is a red flag for preventable murders, and recommended the government clearly define and legislate a new offence, after implementing a program of education, training and consultation.

But not all advocates for women's safety agree that this is the way to go.

Lindsay McDougall spoke to Dr Joy Townsend from Learning Consent, a sexual consent training organisation for young people, about the results of this report.