Add a 20‑year ‘look‑back window’ to coercive control laws in NSW
Add a 20‑year ‘look‑back window’ to coercive control laws in NSW
Recent signers:
austin ward and 16 others have signed recently.
The issue
The introduction of coercive control laws in New South Wales in 2024 marks a significant step forward in recognizing the insidious nature of psychological and emotional abuse. However, for many, including myself, these changes come far too late to address past abuses that have left lasting scars. This petition seeks to remedy that by urging the NSW Government to include a 20-year ‘look-back window’ in these laws, allowing victims to seek justice for historical abuses.
For millions of victims like myself, this legislation needs to create the opportunity to bring our abusers to justice. Drawing on precedents like the case of Virginia Roberts Giuffre and the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein, who were granted the chance to expose historical abuse, we too deserve this chance.
Coercive control is a pattern of isolation, intimidation, and control, often leading to severe psychological harm. Victims struggle for years, constrained by fear and societal stigma, sometimes not recognizing their experiences as abuse until much later. The introduction of a look-back window would provide victims the crucial opportunity to address past injustices and hold perpetrators accountable.
Not having such provisions means many abusers remain unchecked, and many victims remain silent, with no legal recourse to challenge their abusers' control. The 'look-back window' would empower victims to come forward when they feel ready and safe.
Statistics reveal the devastating impact of coercive control, with research showing that around 60% of domestic violence survivors experience coercive control. The psychological trauma is often profound and long-lasting, affecting victims' ability to reclaim their lives and move forward.
Implementing a look-back window is not just about punishing past wrongs; it is about recognizing the ongoing impact of coercive control and affirming the rights of victims to seek justice. It acknowledges the bravery needed to come forward, often years later, and offers a pathway for healing and closure.
We urge the NSW Government to listen to the voices of countless victims and survivors who have lacked recourse due to legislative time constraints. Implement a 20-year look-back window to the coercive control laws, and give us the justice we deserve.
Please sign this petition to support victims of coercive control and push for legal reforms that could change lives.
For millions of victims like myself, this legislation needs to create the opportunity to bring our abusers to justice. Drawing on precedents like the case of Virginia Roberts Giuffre and the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein, who were granted the chance to expose historical abuse, we too deserve this chance.
Coercive control is a pattern of isolation, intimidation, and control, often leading to severe psychological harm. Victims struggle for years, constrained by fear and societal stigma, sometimes not recognizing their experiences as abuse until much later. The introduction of a look-back window would provide victims the crucial opportunity to address past injustices and hold perpetrators accountable.
Not having such provisions means many abusers remain unchecked, and many victims remain silent, with no legal recourse to challenge their abusers' control. The 'look-back window' would empower victims to come forward when they feel ready and safe.
Statistics reveal the devastating impact of coercive control, with research showing that around 60% of domestic violence survivors experience coercive control. The psychological trauma is often profound and long-lasting, affecting victims' ability to reclaim their lives and move forward.
Implementing a look-back window is not just about punishing past wrongs; it is about recognizing the ongoing impact of coercive control and affirming the rights of victims to seek justice. It acknowledges the bravery needed to come forward, often years later, and offers a pathway for healing and closure.
We urge the NSW Government to listen to the voices of countless victims and survivors who have lacked recourse due to legislative time constraints. Implement a 20-year look-back window to the coercive control laws, and give us the justice we deserve.
Please sign this petition to support victims of coercive control and push for legal reforms that could change lives.
Nicolle ShepherdPetition starter
19
Recent signers:
austin ward and 16 others have signed recently.
The issue
The introduction of coercive control laws in New South Wales in 2024 marks a significant step forward in recognizing the insidious nature of psychological and emotional abuse. However, for many, including myself, these changes come far too late to address past abuses that have left lasting scars. This petition seeks to remedy that by urging the NSW Government to include a 20-year ‘look-back window’ in these laws, allowing victims to seek justice for historical abuses.
For millions of victims like myself, this legislation needs to create the opportunity to bring our abusers to justice. Drawing on precedents like the case of Virginia Roberts Giuffre and the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein, who were granted the chance to expose historical abuse, we too deserve this chance.
Coercive control is a pattern of isolation, intimidation, and control, often leading to severe psychological harm. Victims struggle for years, constrained by fear and societal stigma, sometimes not recognizing their experiences as abuse until much later. The introduction of a look-back window would provide victims the crucial opportunity to address past injustices and hold perpetrators accountable.
Not having such provisions means many abusers remain unchecked, and many victims remain silent, with no legal recourse to challenge their abusers' control. The 'look-back window' would empower victims to come forward when they feel ready and safe.
Statistics reveal the devastating impact of coercive control, with research showing that around 60% of domestic violence survivors experience coercive control. The psychological trauma is often profound and long-lasting, affecting victims' ability to reclaim their lives and move forward.
Implementing a look-back window is not just about punishing past wrongs; it is about recognizing the ongoing impact of coercive control and affirming the rights of victims to seek justice. It acknowledges the bravery needed to come forward, often years later, and offers a pathway for healing and closure.
We urge the NSW Government to listen to the voices of countless victims and survivors who have lacked recourse due to legislative time constraints. Implement a 20-year look-back window to the coercive control laws, and give us the justice we deserve.
Please sign this petition to support victims of coercive control and push for legal reforms that could change lives.
For millions of victims like myself, this legislation needs to create the opportunity to bring our abusers to justice. Drawing on precedents like the case of Virginia Roberts Giuffre and the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein, who were granted the chance to expose historical abuse, we too deserve this chance.
Coercive control is a pattern of isolation, intimidation, and control, often leading to severe psychological harm. Victims struggle for years, constrained by fear and societal stigma, sometimes not recognizing their experiences as abuse until much later. The introduction of a look-back window would provide victims the crucial opportunity to address past injustices and hold perpetrators accountable.
Not having such provisions means many abusers remain unchecked, and many victims remain silent, with no legal recourse to challenge their abusers' control. The 'look-back window' would empower victims to come forward when they feel ready and safe.
Statistics reveal the devastating impact of coercive control, with research showing that around 60% of domestic violence survivors experience coercive control. The psychological trauma is often profound and long-lasting, affecting victims' ability to reclaim their lives and move forward.
Implementing a look-back window is not just about punishing past wrongs; it is about recognizing the ongoing impact of coercive control and affirming the rights of victims to seek justice. It acknowledges the bravery needed to come forward, often years later, and offers a pathway for healing and closure.
We urge the NSW Government to listen to the voices of countless victims and survivors who have lacked recourse due to legislative time constraints. Implement a 20-year look-back window to the coercive control laws, and give us the justice we deserve.
Please sign this petition to support victims of coercive control and push for legal reforms that could change lives.
Nicolle ShepherdPetition starter
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The Decision Makers
Attorney General NSW
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Petition created on 9 March 2026