Coercive Control

The Cruellest of all controls

Coercive control, a subtle hold, Manipulation, by fear is told, As terror from a puppeteer, Controls their moves, the abuser near.

Gaslighting, stonewalling, lies, To twist and turn, a victim's eyes, Reality blurred, perception skewed, Their sense of self gone, just an abused.

Financial control, a tight grip, No money to leave, the victim's trip, No job, no bank, no freedom found, A life in chains, their dreams unwound.

Physical violence, a final threat, A partner's fear, their mind beset, A fist, a kick, a bruise to see, The abuser's power, a sickening plea.

Coercive control, a silent pain, A life of misery, a constant strain, A victim's voice, or just a yelp, A society's duty, to begin and help.

Al Finegan 2023

Asunset memorial was held on the 26th of February at 5 pm at the Sylvan Beach Esplanade, Bellara to remember Janet Guthrie and all women affected by domestic violence. It was a beautiful tribute to an amazing soul that was brutally taken too early. Fierce, independent, and strong, a mother who dreamed of growing old alongside her two daughters. That's how Janet Guthrie was remembered after her alleged killer was charged with her domestic violence murder.

With Leah Talbot taking on the role of MC which she did brilliantly, Uncle Ivan giving the Acknowledgement of Country and Michelle Watson narrating the Smoking Ceremony, the tribute for Janet began beautifully.

Ali King, Member for Pumicestone, Brooke Savige, Moreton Bay Councillor, and Senior Sergeant James all spoke on different points in their speeches, I read a tribute – a FB post, that Janet had written herself, good friend Sharon recited “Janet’s Poem” and then “GYPSY” by Fleetwood Mac was played as the Jarjums (Children) stood and walked to the water, followed by the public to lay the flowers.

Janet is yet another face of Domestic violence deaths. Another face in the evergrowing list of women being brutally taken this year alone. Janet had escaped and had a wonderful life to look forward to as the words she wrote in her last Facebook post will attest to.

This is what Janet wrote.

On the eve of my 51st birthday, I can look back at the last 20 years of my life and truly say it’s been an incredible journey. What a trip it has been. What an (expletive) show the last 5 years have been. But here I am killing it, still. No apologies for being a pirate.

My celebration of my life at 50 about to turn 51, is all about my resilience. What I have endured, what I have overcome and what I am yet to live out on my terms. This pic I have chosen to post is of a time when I was completely humbled by life, because of death. Many a friend has not made it to 51. Pointed message: don’t waste a single day on people, places and things that don’t bring you complete and utter joy. Don’t have ass any of it. Life is too short.

I’m really grateful for a very full life. Those were Janet’s words.

A word of thanks from the organisers. To all the community that has come together on the afternoon of the Sunset Memorial for Janet, we would like to say thank you, she mattered. We would like to thank the organisations and