The Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act is a Queensland law designed to provide safety and legal protection to individuals experiencing domestic and family violence.
If you are affected by domestic violence, this law allows you to apply for a protection order, which can restrict the behaviour of the person causing harm.
The Act covers a wide range of abusive behaviours, including physical violence, emotional abuse, financial control, and coercive behaviour, aiming to prevent further harm and support those affected.
What Is Domestic and Family Violence?
Domestic and family violence includes any behaviour that is threatening, controlling, or abusive within a domestic relationship. Under the Act, this can include:
- Physical abuse – Hitting, pushing, choking, or any form of violence
- Emotional and psychological abuse – Intimidation, threats, humiliation, or manipulation
- Financial abuse – Controlling access to money or preventing financial independence
- Coercive control – Restricting freedom, monitoring movements, or isolating from friends and family
- Damage to property – Breaking or destroying personal belongings
- Threats of harm – Threatening to hurt you, your children, or even pets
If you are experiencing any of these behaviours, you have the right to seek protection under the Act.
Key Takeaway: Domestic and family violence is not just physical; it includes emotional, financial, and psychological abuse that can impact your well-being.
Protection Orders: How They Work
A Protection Order is a legal order designed to keep you safe by placing conditions on the person using violence. You can apply for an order if you feel at risk, and the court will decide whether one is necessary.
A protection order may include conditions such as:
- Preventing the person from contacting you
- Restricting them from coming near your home or workplace
- Stopping them from threatening or harassing you
- Ordering them to return your belongings
Breaching a protection order is a serious offence and can lead to criminal charges.
Key Takeaway: A protection order can legally restrict an abusive person’s behaviour to help keep you safe.
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Who Can Apply for a Protection Order?
If you are experiencing domestic violence, you can apply for a protection order through the Magistrates Court. Applications can be made by:
- You (the affected person)
- A police officer acting on your behalf
- A legal representative or support service
- A family member or friend in some cases
The court will assess the evidence and determine whether the order is necessary. If you are in immediate danger, police can issue a temporary protection order to provide immediate safety.
Key Takeaway: You can apply for a protection order yourself or someone else (including police) can apply on your behalf.
Domestic Violence and the Role of Police
Police play a key role in enforcing the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act. If they are called to a domestic violence incident, they have the power to:
- Remove the person using violence from the home
- Issue a Police Protection Notice, which provides immediate protection
- Arrest and charge the offender if they breach an order
- Apply for a protection order on your behalf if needed
If you are in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000) for police assistance.
Key Takeaway: Police can take immediate action to protect you, including issuing protection notices and arresting offenders.
How the Act Protects Children and Families
The Act recognises that children exposed to domestic violence can suffer long-term harm, even if they are not directly abused. If children are involved, the court can:
- Extend a protection order to cover children
- Prevent the person using violence from contacting or approaching them
- Order supervised visits if necessary
If you are concerned about your children’s safety, you can request specific conditions in your protection order.
Key Takeaway: Children exposed to domestic violence can be protected under the Act, even if they are not direct victims.
Support Services Available
If you are experiencing domestic violence, you don’t have to go through it alone. There are several services that can provide legal support, counselling, and crisis assistance, including:
- DVConnect (1800 811 811) – Crisis support for women
- MensLine Australia (1300 789 978) – Support for men experiencing violence
- Legal Aid Queensland – Free legal advice on protection orders
- 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) – National counselling and support service
Seeking help can be difficult, but support services can guide you through the process and help ensure your safety.
The Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act provides legal protection for individuals experiencing domestic violence in Queensland.
If you are at risk, you can apply for a protection order to help keep you safe. Police, courts, and support services all play a role in ensuring the law is enforced and that those affected receive the protection they need.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, seeking support can be the first step towards safety and freedom.