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Domestic Violence FAQs

experienced answers on Domestic Violence Orders, protection applications, breach consequences, and your legal rights in Queensland DVO proceedings.

Important Legal Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is general legal information only and is not specific legal advice tailored to your individual circumstances. Laws change regularly and every situation is unique.

We strongly advise you to contact us to discuss your specific situation before proceeding with any action based on the information provided here.

Compliance

Being charged with Breaching a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) in Queensland under s139

Breaching a DVO under s139 of the DFVP Act is a criminal offence that police prosecute aggressively. Even ’technical’ breaches like sending a text message ca…

Conditions

Can a DVO kick me out of my own house?

Yes. The Court can include an ‘Ouster Condition’ in a DVO, which forces you to leave the family home and prohibits you from returning, even if your name is o…

Criminal Offences

Being charged with Coercive Control in Queensland under s176A

Coercive Control is a new and highly serious criminal offence in QLD (effective mid-2025). It targets a ‘pattern’ of abusive behaviour intended to dominate o…

Defence

Should I consent to a DVO 'Without Admission'?

Consenting to a DVO ‘without admission’ is a common way to resolve a DV application quickly. It means you agree to follow the protection order, but you do NO…

General

How do I defend a false DVO application?

You can formally contest a DVO application in court by filing affidavits and taking the matter to a contested hearing where the applicant’s claims are cross-…

How does a DVO affect my weapons licence in Queensland?

Being subject to a DVO carries mandatory automatic consequences for any weapons licence, including immediate surrender and a strict five-year suspension.

Is a Queensland Domestic Violence Order valid in other states?

Under the National DVO Scheme, any protection order made in Australia after 25 November 2017 is automatically recognised and enforceable nationwide.

What conditions are included in a DVO?

Every DVO contains a mandatory ‘good behaviour’ condition. The court can also add conditions preventing the respondent from approaching the aggrieved or retu…

When did coercive control become a criminal offence in Queensland?

Coercive control became a standalone criminal offence under Hannah’s Law on 26 May 2025, carrying a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment.

Will I go to jail for breaching a DVO?

Breaching a DVO is a criminal offence that can lead to actual imprisonment, particularly if violence was involved or it is a repeat offence.

Offences

What happens if I breach a Domestic Violence Order?

Breaching a DVO is a criminal offence, not a civil matter. Even a ‘minor’ breach like sending a non-threatening text message can result in arrest, a permanen…

Orders

What is a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) in Queensland?

A Domestic Violence Order (Protection Order) is a civil court order designed to stop a person from committing domestic violence against another. It sets stri…

Process

How do I apply for a Domestic Violence Order?

You can apply for a DVO by filing a Form DV01 with the Magistrates Court (a Private Application), or the police can apply on your behalf (a Police Applicatio…

Resources

Who to contact for Domestic Violence help in Queensland?

A directory of emergency and legal contacts for Domestic Violence matters in Queensland, including Police, DVConnect, and Bell & Senior Lawyers.

Workplace Rights

Domestic Violence and Remote Work: What are my workplace rights?

Employers have a legal duty of care to ensure your safety, which extends to your home office. You are entitled to 10 days of paid family and domestic violenc…

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