New Zealand
Definitional / family violence (in force); not a standalone crime · Primary / Carlton brief or statute text · Last reviewed September 2, 2026
What “pattern” means here
Family Violence Act 2018 includes coercive or controlling behaviour in the definition of family violence. That inclusion is civil and definitional. The Act does not create a standalone criminal offence of coercive control.
Statutes
Family Violence Act 2018 (family-violence definition)
Coercive or controlling behaviour in the family-violence definition. Source: legislation.govt.nz. Not a standalone criminal offence.
Expert standard
New Zealand family and related civil forums. Not Daubert.
What Carlton Research can speak to
Carlton Research can speak to pattern analysis (coercive control breadth, depth, escalation, entrapment, and more). Research is built to the evidentiary rules of the jurisdiction that will hear it. Carlton Research does not recommend parenting time or custody. Research establishes whether a pattern of coercive control is present. Inquire about specific testimony requests or speaking engagements.
Do not count New Zealand in a headline criminal-in-force country total. Definitional naming is not a criminal course-of-conduct offence.
Carlton, C. (2026). Coercive Control Statute Map: New Zealand. Coercive Control Observatory. Last reviewed September 2, 2026.