Confidential, practical help to get the protection you need, or to respond to an application made against you.
If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
A domestic violence order (DVO) is a court order that stops the other person from hurting, threatening or harassing you. It can also stop them contacting you or coming near your home, work or children.
Applying can feel overwhelming when you are already under stress. We help you gather evidence, prepare the application and represent you in court. If you need protection straight away, we can ask the court for a temporary order until the final hearing.
Family violence often affects parenting arrangements and property settlement too. We look at the whole picture, so the steps you take now protect you and your children in the long term.
In Queensland, a DVO is called a protection order under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld). Other states use names like restraining order or AVO. The order sets conditions the other person must follow, such as not contacting you or going to your home or workplace.
If you are in danger, contact the police. Queensland police can act straight away to protect you and can apply to the court for an order on your behalf.
If you are not in immediate danger but need protection, you can apply yourself through the Magistrates Court. We can help you with every step.
Applying for a protection order is stressful. Having a lawyer on your side makes it easier:
We listen to what has happened, explain your options and plan the best way to get you protected.
If your matter goes to a hearing, we represent you, present your evidence and make sure your side is heard.
We stay in touch after the order is made, including if it is breached or needs to change.
A lawyer can make a real difference in a domestic violence matter:
We help you work out which order and conditions suit your situation, so the protection fits your needs.
We explain each step clearly, so you know what is happening and feel supported.
Your safety comes first. We put your case forward firmly and protect your rights.
We explain the types of orders available and which one suits your circumstances.
Where it is urgent, we move quickly to get a temporary order in place.
We represent you in the Magistrates Court and argue for the protection you need.
Knowing someone is handling the legal side lets you focus on your safety and your family.
Domestic violence orders in Queensland protect people in a relevant relationship: current or former partners, family members and informal carers. If the threats or harassment come from a neighbour, acquaintance or stranger, a different order, called a peace and good behaviour order, may be available through the Magistrates Court. We can help you work out which order fits your situation.
Keep messages, emails, photos and notes of what happened and when. Clear, organised evidence makes your application stronger.
The form is available from Queensland Courts or any Magistrates Court. We can prepare it with you.
Lodge it at the Magistrates Court with your supporting evidence. The court can make a temporary order at the first hearing if needed.
Attend each court date. The magistrate will consider the evidence from both sides.
The magistrate decides whether to make a final order and what conditions it will include.
Domestic violence matters are hard, legally and emotionally. You will get support that is caring and effective:
We take time to understand what has happened and build a plan around your needs.
Our Brisbane lawyers regularly act in protection order matters, for people seeking protection and people responding to applications.
From the first meeting to court and beyond, we put your safety and wellbeing first.
A protection order sets rules the other person must follow. It can stop them contacting you, coming near your home, work or your children’s school, and messaging or posting about you online.
If you need protection now, we can apply for a temporary order so you are protected until the final decision.
For support at any time, call DVConnect on 1800 811 811 or 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
They are the same kind of order. “Restraining order” is the term used in some other states. In Queensland the order is a domestic violence order, called a protection order under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld), and it is made by the Magistrates Court.
A final protection order usually lasts for five years, unless the court is satisfied there are reasons for a shorter period. The court can also make an order for longer than five years.
You can consent to the order without admitting the allegations, negotiate the conditions, or contest the application at a hearing. A temporary protection order may apply in the meantime, so read its conditions carefully and get advice before your first court date.
Breaching a protection order is a criminal offence in Queensland. If you are the protected person and the order is breached, contact the police.
Yes. Either party can apply to the Magistrates Court to vary or revoke a protection order, and the court considers the protected person’s safety first. Read more about the reasons to revoke a DVO and the evidence you need for a DVO.
