Family and domestic violence impacts many individuals and families across our community. Experiencing the trauma of violence can be incredibly difficult and isolating. Relate Legal provides empathetic and confidential legal support for individuals and families who face these challenging circumstances.
What is Domestic and Family Violence?
Domestic and family violence takes many forms and encompasses various types of abusive behaviour or patterns of behaviour by one person towards another in a domestic relationship. Domestic violence can be physical, psychological or emotional and can include:
- causing injury to a person or threatening to harm them
- coercing or attempting to coerce a person to engage in sexual activity
- damaging or threatening to damage a person’s property
- depriving someone of their liberty or threatening to do so
- threatening a person with the death or injury of the person, a child of the person, or someone else
- threatening suicide or self-harm to torment, intimidate or frighten the person
- causing or threatening to cause the death of, or injury to, an animal to control, dominate or coerce the person
- unauthorised surveillance
- unlawfully stalking, intimidating, harassing or abusing a person
- controlling access to money and limiting financial independence
- coercive control – a pattern of behaviour that seeks to dominate and control a person, leading to fear for their safety or wellbeing
Recognising Family/Domestic Violence
Domestic violence can change in intensity. The behaviour can be absent or less severe for periods, may gradually intensify, or the perpetrator may have violent outbursts triggered by various stressors.
Some victims find it difficult to recognise the abuse when it is happening. Behaviour can be subtle, often concealed under a veneer of concern or justified anger. No matter what the underlying trigger, family/domestic violence is unacceptable and if the behaviour makes you feel threatened or intimidated, you can take steps to make it stop.
Getting Help
The Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld) can help protect someone who fears, is experiencing or has experienced domestic violence from someone with whom the victim has or has had a ‘relevant’ relationship. A relevant relationship includes an intimate relationship, a family relationship or an informal care relationship.
If you are in immediate danger, you should contact the police on 000.
Police Protection Notices
Police have the power to issue a person with a Police Protection Notice if they believe domestic or family violence has occurred or is occurring. This is a short-term order aimed at providing immediate protection for the aggrieved person. A Police Protection Notice often serves as an application for a full Domestic Violence Order, which will then be heard in Court.
Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs)
A Domestic Violence Order (DVO), also known as a Protection Order, is a civil court order issued by a Court. Its primary purpose is to protect an aggrieved person (the victim) from further domestic violence by the respondent (the perpetrator).
While DVOs are civil orders, breaching a DVO is a criminal offence. If a respondent breaches a DVO, it is crucial to report it to the police immediately.
We can assist you with:
- Applying for a DVO: Guiding you through the application process, preparing necessary documents, and representing you in Court.
- Urgent temporary protection orders: If you are in immediate danger, we can assist with applying for an urgent temporary order that can be put in place quickly.
- Varying or revoking a DVO: If circumstances change, we can help you apply to alter or revoke an existing DVO.
- Understanding conditions: Explaining the specific conditions of a DVO, which often include orders for the respondent not to approach or contact you or to stay away from your home or workplace.
- Reporting breaches: Guiding you on how to report a breach of a DVO to the police. We can assist you in preparing a draft statement to provide to police.
If you are experiencing domestic or family violence, or if you are concerned about someone you know, please reach out. We are here to listen, offer support, and provide expert legal guidance to help you find safety.
In an emergency, always call 000 and ask for the police.
If you need legal help, call 07 5211 4040 or email [email protected].
Get in Touch
Let’s find a resolution together. Book your free consultation to discuss your unique needs today.