Woman whose ex was first to be jailed for coercive control in NSW fears for ACT laws

The ACT Legislative Assembly committee inquiry into proposed coercive control laws concluded a one-day hearing after receiving testimony from a single victim-survivor. The proposed Crimes (Coercive Control) Amendment Bill 2026, introduced by the ACT government in May, aims to make coercive control a standalone offence, similar to the laws recently enacted in New South Wales.

While the committee received submissions from various groups, including support services, it only heard from one individual who experienced coercive control firsthand. Samantha Bouffler, whose ex-partner was the first person jailed for coercive control in New South Wales, expressed concerns about the lack of victim-survivor input in the ACT inquiry.

Ms. Bouffler detailed how coercive control can encompass numerous abusive tactics, such as financial control, isolation, humiliation, and online attacks, which she fears are not adequately addressed by the proposed legislation. She recounted her own experience of enduring three days of intense psychological abuse before fleeing her abuser, highlighting the often unseen forms of abuse that can persist even after a relationship ends.

Stephanie, a victim-survivor who spoke to the committee, emphasized the importance of awareness and the need for education among frontline service providers, police, and the community before the legislation could be enforced.