Coercive control is something South West Family Violence Team officer in charge sergeant Don McLean sees the affects of everyday in his role with WA Police.
Sergeant McLean runs the South West Family Violence Team helping women and families who have been affected by domestic and family violence across the region.
He will be talking about coercive control at a White Ribbon event in Busselton which will be held at Georgiana Molloy Anglican School on Monday, August 16.
"Using the power and control wheel, we try to get the point across that family violence is not just physical," he said.
"Financial control, threats, intimidation, using children and all those elements come into it."
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Sergeant McLean said often people did not see them self as a victim of family or domestic violence because the abuse was not physical.
"I see it everyday," he said.
"When police attend an incident we are documenting risk and behavioural factors as part of what we do as our day-to-day business with family violence.
"Even before the term coercive control was around all these factors were identified in what happened behind the scenes in family violence relationships.
"We have been recording these occurrences for a number of years."
As WA investigates introducing laws against coercive control, sergeant McLean said it would be a difficult matter to legislate against.
"At this stage it is about getting the message out there, that just because your partner does not hit you does not mean that you are not in a controlling or abusive relationship," he said.
"If people would like more information on coercive control there are services out there like 1800 Respect when people can speak with someone who is trained in the industry."
Sergeant McLean will be joined at the White Ribbon event by victim survivor Katherine Houareau who encourages others to speak out to change the narrative around violence and abuse, along with GMAS student Coralie Sandor who will be talking about sexism and consent.
Tickets to attend the White Ribbon event in Busselton are $10 and may be purchased from trybooking.com/BSVCZ (teens aged 15 to 18 years are free).
Where to get help
If you or someone you know needs help the following services can assist:
- Waratah: 1800 017 303
- 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Women's Domestic Violence Helpline: 1800 007 339
- The National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 1800 880 052 or email hotline@workfocus.com
- Sexual Assault Resource Centre: 1800 199 888
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
- Men's Domestic Violence Helpline: 1800 000 599
- Mates Men's Support Group: 9752 3217
- Department of Communities - Child Protection and Family Support: 1800 622 258
