Sue & Lloyd Clarke: Campaigning for coercive control laws across Australia

A single question haunted Lloyd Clarke in the days following the murder of his daughter, Hannah, and his three grandchildren, Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey – how did he not see what was happening in her relationship?

In February 2020, Hannah and her kids were set on fire in their car by Hannah’s ex-partner whom she had left five weeks prior because she feared for her life. When Lloyd and his wife, Sue, spoke to police and domestic violence experts after the attack, his question was answered.

“They told me it was a classic case of coercive control,” Lloyd says. “Sue and I had never heard those words before but when they described the behaviours, we realised that had been Hannah’s life.” And it got them thinking. If these two crucial words were foreign to them and their circle, how many other Australians were in similar relationships and unaware of how bad it could get?

Within weeks, the Clarkes had set up the Small Steps 4 Hannah Foundation with a mission to educate people on domestic violence, raise funds to change laws that protect perpetrators, and campaign for coercive control to be recognised as a criminal offence in Australia. Tasmania is currently the only state that criminalises this behaviour.

In December 2021, a report from the Women's Safety and Justice Taskforce containing 89 recommendations was tabled in the Queensland parliament. The state government has already committed to make coercive control a crime by 2023.

Sue and Lloyd were recently named the 2022 Queensland Australians of the Year in recognition of their work in this area. It’s an honour they’re still getting used to. Lloyd says, “We’re still pinching ourselves. Never in our wildest dreams did we think we would win. It’s extremely humbling and really quite daunting!”

Here, the couple talks about the rewards of running Small Steps 4 Hannah, misconceptions around domestic violence and what brings them hope.

How would you explain coercive control in your own words?
Lloyd: “It's repeated bad behaviour over a period of time during which one person has all the power in a relationship. They control the money, who you speak to, what you wear and where you go. They're always checking up on you. They threaten to harm themselves, the kids or a pet if you leave. And this wears you down so much that you lose your self-esteem and find it hard to leave the relationship.”

What did the early days of Small Steps 4 Hannah involve?
Lloyd: “After launching Small Steps, we found out that people in Queensland had been lobbying for coercive control laws since 2015, so we decided to restart the conversation. Then other foundations started coming on board and we began organising meetings and monthly dinner talks on coercive control.

“Those dinners taught us a lot about the difficulties new migrants have with domestic violence, especially if the bride has no family or social connections here. She's under her husband’s control and he warns her that leaving him would mean losing her visa and children. It's really quite frightening.”

What response did you get from the participants?
Lloyd: “Some people found the talks interesting, others were shocked, and many said, ‘I know someone who could be in this situation.’ We had a few women tell us the talks helped them recognise they were in a dangerous relationship and they got out. That was very rewarding to hear.”

Sue: “We also had a fellow who read up on coercive control and told his wife it was like ‘looking in a mirror’. He has since gotten help, which is wonderful. I do think some perpetrators aren't aware of what they’re doing, especially if they’ve grown up seeing their father controlling their mother. But this example shows they can be helped.”

What misconceptions still exist around domestic violence?
Sue: “That it's only domestic violence if it's physical. If there are no bruises, there's no harm done. The reality is that bruises heal quickly but mental anguish doesn't. Another misconception is that ‘It can't be that bad or she would leave.’”

What are the small ways we can support and empower victims of domestic violence?
Sue: “Let them know you're listening, that you believe them, and that you're there to help when they're ready. It's not easy to leave an abusive relationship. Many have no money and are frightened because they know how dangerous it can be even after they leave. And it's harder when children are involved. Start by planting the seed that there could be a problem in their relationship. And then be patient.”

Lloyd: “We also need to start calling out the perpetrators. They all have friends and family who can see how they're treating their partner. But we have to take a non-judgemental approach with them. Go for a coffee, talk about it and encourage them to get professional help.”