Incredible Women: Legal Systems Abuse, Coercive Control, and the Credibility of Victim-Survivors

Research has long demonstrated that victim-survivors of intimate partner violence face barriers to being believed when they seek help via the legal system and are simultaneously at risk of their abuser weaponizing the legal system against them. This article draws on the experiences of 54 women victim-survivors of coercive control in Australia who had experienced legal systems abuse within criminal and civil protection order systems. Drawing on feminist legal theory, we highlight that the legal system continues to disbelieve women and validate abusers. These experiences hold implications for victim-survivor views on the merits and risks of criminalizing coercive control.

Automated summary

Research shows that victim-survivors of intimate partner violence often struggle to be believed and face the risk of their abuser using the legal system against them. This article examines the experiences of 54 Australian women who have experienced legal system abuse within criminal and civil protection order systems. Drawing on feminist legal theory, it highlights the ongoing disbelief in women and validation of abusers by the legal system. These experiences have implications for victim-survivors' perspectives on criminalizing coercive control.