Ep 329: A Line in the Sand: Sam Bouffler and the Landmark Coercive Control Conviction, Part 1

Crime Analyst

Laura Richards

True Crime

4.9 • 3.2K Ratings

🗓️ 20 April 2026

⏱️ 55 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In a landmark moment for justice in Australia, New South Wales has seen its first full-time prison sentence handed down for the crime of coercive control. In this episode, Laura deconstructs the case of Police v Callum Fairleigh, analyzing the behavioral patterns that led to this historic conviction and what it means for the future of victim protection. Laura moves beyond the headlines to center the experience of Samantha, the survivor who bravely shared her story to ensure others feel less alone. Laura provides a trauma-informed analysis of the "drip-drip" nature of this abuse—from digital abuse and stalking to the calculated erosion of autonomy—and explains why this case is a vital test of the new laws implemented in July 2024. Key Analytical Takeaways: · The Blueprint of Control: Deconstructing Fairleigh’s patterns, including "bombarding" communication, isolation from family, and the use of digital footprints as tools of entrapment. · The "Validation" of Sentencing: Why a prison sentence—the first under the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Coercive Control) Act 2022—is a critical societal acknowledgment that non-physical abuse is a serious crime. · Trauma-Informed Interviewing: asking the right questions and identifying the pattern of coercive control. · The Risk Factor: Analyzing how these behaviors are a known "red flag" for intimate partner terrorism and homicide and why early intervention saves lives. Episode Resources & Support:If you or someone you know is experiencing coercive control, help is available: · 1800RESPECT: Call 1800 737 732 for 24/7 support and counseling. · NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 656 463. · Empower You App: A tool for discreetly documenting abuse and finding support. This episode contains important, life-changing and life-saving information about coercive control, risk, and recognising patterns of abuse. Listen and share this episode. You could save a life. JOIN the Crime Analyst Squad now and listen using a new special promo to mark the two-year anniversary of the Squad: 50% off annual membership for new members and Ringleaders. Use code 6D923 www.patreon.com/CrimeAnalyst #CoerciveControl #SamBouffler #CrimeAnalyst #expert #TrueCrime #DomesticAbuse #BehaviouralAnalysis #Podcast #Prevention #ListenLearnShare Clip https://www.instagram.com/reels/C7CWcyeMY6v/ Find Sam on TikTok Thank You to the Crime Analyst Sponsors Who Make the Show Possible. Support The Show Through the Sponsor: Go to AquaTru.com now for 20% off using promo code CRIMEANALYST. AquaTru even comes with a 30-day best-tasting water guarantee. Laura’s Resources and Training information : www.dashriskchecklist.com www.thelaurarichards.com Crime Analyst YouTube, Socials and Website YouTube @crimeanalyst Facebook Crime Analyst Podcast Instagram @crimeanalyst @laurarichards999 Threads @crimeanalyst X @thecrimeanalyst @laurarichards999 TikTok @crimeanalystpod Website www.crime-analyst.com Leave a 5* Review https://www.crime-analyst.com/reviews/new/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Well, it is the silent crisis affecting around a quarter of Australian women.
0:06.0	Coercive control is repeatedly making someone feel hurt, scared or isolated by another person in order to control them.
0:13.0	The change is taking place with the first person in New South Wales jailed after being found guilty of coercive control.
0:20.0	His victim says the sentencing was
0:23.0	validating. So what are the signs to look out for? And what can you do if you or a loved one
0:29.3	needs your help? For more, we're joined by Annabel Daniel, independent member for New South Wales
0:35.4	Coercive Control Implementation task force. Great to have you
0:38.2	with us. So what are the signs first off of coercive control? Well the signs can be different
0:43.3	for somebody inside a relationship where there is control and what that can be is an increasing
0:48.7	feeling of isolation, feeling trapped, feeling like you don't even own the inside of your head and that you're constantly watching over your shoulder.
0:58.0	And those kinds of things, feeling crazy, feeling gaslit, feeling like you can't have a clear and honest conversation or that conflicts are never resolved.
1:06.5	That's what it can feel like living inside coercive control.
1:09.9	And from the outside, if someone's experiencing, it might look like they withdraw from
1:14.7	family, friends and social networks.
1:17.0	They might stop doing the things that they love doing.
1:19.6	They might look like they're on edge or in fear around their partner, and those are really
1:24.8	important signs to look out for.
1:26.7	Does it have to be a romantic relationship?
1:28.3	No, it doesn't. Coercive control can happen in all kinds of dynamics.
1:32.3	It can happen from children to their parents with adult children and their parents.
1:38.3	We support a lot of older women who've experienced coercive control from their children
1:43.3	and that might be around
	...

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