- Free online self-assessment tool developed in WA to support victim-survivors to identify signs of coercive control
- Coercive control is a form of family and domestic violence
- Toolkit launch aligns with commitment to progress systemic and legal changes during ’16 Days in WA’ campaign
A self-assessment tool that empowers victim-survivors to identify the subtle signs of coercive control has been developed by Western Australian-based Yourtoolkit.com.
The free online Coercive Control Self-Assessment Tool will support victim-survivors to identify if they are experiencing coercive control and to understand the different forms it can take. The tool can be completed individually or with the help of a family member, a close friend, or a support worker.
Coercive control is a form of family and domestic violence in which an abuser demonstrates a pattern of controlling and manipulative behaviour designed to intimidate, isolate and control a partner.
Yourtoolkit.com is a leading provider of online resources for victim-survivors of family and domestic violence.
Yourtoolkit.com recognises that family and domestic violence is a community issue that can cause serious short and long-term physical and mental health issues for victim-survivors, including children.
People who complete the assessment will be able to uncover the patterns and signs of coercive control in their lives, and will be provided with information to support taking the critical first steps towards regaining control and seeking the support they need.
The project has been developed by Yourtoolkit.com with funding from the Department of Communities, Lotterywest, Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, and Woodside Energy.
The launch of the tool follows the Cook Government’s announcement last week that it will be introducing a range of system and legal reforms in a phased approach designed to prevent, protect and support victim-survivors of coercive control, as well as hold perpetrators accountable.
To access the Coercive Control Self-Assessment Tool, go to yourtoolkit.com/questionnaire
The online tool is being launched during the ’16 Days in WA’ to Stop Violence Against Women campaign which aims to raise awareness about the issue.
The campaign theme for 2023 is “Stopping Family Violence: Play Your Part”, which encourages everyone to consider their role in ending family and domestic violence.
For more information about how you can play your part, go to 16days.wa.gov.au.
People experiencing family and domestic violence can call the Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline 1800 007 339, or Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline 1800 000 599, or the national Helpline 1800 RESPECT.
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton:
“Coercive control can be much harder to identify than other forms of family and domestic violence. It includes things like having passwords to their partner’s phone, convincing them to give up activities they used to enjoy doing, limiting access to the family car, or encouraging them to stop seeing certain friends.
“The Coercive Control Self-Assessment Tool is an important online resource to educate and support victim-survivors of coercive controlling behaviours.
“The tool is a well-designed, easy-to-use resource as a first step in helping individuals better understand coercive controlling behaviours and steps they can take towards being safer in their relationships.”
As stated by Penny Fegan, CEO Yourtoolkit.com:
“At Yourtoolkit.com, we are dedicated to empowering victim-survivors and providing them with the tools and resources to navigate abusive situations.”
