Warning signs of abuse Hannah McGuire's mother wants parents to know
Hannah McGuire's mother is teaching families to spot early signs of coercive control after her daughter was murdered in 2024.
Mrs McGuire's daughter Hannah was killed by her partner Lachlan Young in April 2024. Young was sentenced to more than 20 years in prison in 2025.
During their two-year relationship, Young love-bombed Hannah then isolated her from family and friends, controlled her finances, and punished her for seeing friends. Mrs McGuire is now running Hannah's Voice, an education program.
It teaches young people in Ballarat schools to recognise the early warning signs. These include criticism of friends, monitoring phones and messages, and repeatedly asking where someone has been.
Experts say isolation is a tactic that increases dependence and reduces chances that others notice what is happening. In Victoria, coercive and controlling behaviour is recognised as family violence and victims can apply for a family violence intervention order.
- April 2024
- Hannah's death
- More than 20 years
- Young's sentence
- May 2026
- Program launch
- Ballarat secondary schools
- School location
Why it mattersMany people miss the early signs of coercive control that can lead to tragedy. Knowing them could help friends and family step in before abuse escalates.
AustraliaVictorian secondary school students are now learning to spot coercive control in relationships, potentially preventing future partner violence.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
