Domestic Violence Lawyers in Brisbane
Domestic Violence Under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act
Domestic violence is not limited to physical injury. Under Queensland law, it includes:
Emotional or psychological abuse
Coercive control
Financial abuse
Threatening behaviour
Property damage
Monitoring, stalking or isolating behaviour
Control over children or parenting
What Is a Domestic Violence Order (DVO)?
Two Types of DVO
Temporary Protection Order
Urgent, short-term protection until the court hears the full matter.Final Protection Order
Usually lasts 5 years (sometimes longer or shorter), with specific conditions to keep you safe.
What Conditions Can Be Included In a Temporary Protection Order or a Final Protection Order?
A Protection Order may include:
No contact or limited contact
No approaching your home, workplace or school
No threats, harassment or intimidation
Child-related and parenting conditions
Special conditions for heightened risk situations
We Help You Stay Safe, Protected and Informed
Domestic violence can be emotional, physical, financial, psychological or coercive.
You do not need to wait for a crisis before seeking help. Speaking with an experienced domestic violence lawyer in Brisbane can give you clarity, legal protection and a plan to move forward.
At R&G Law Group, we support clients experiencing:
Family or intimate partner violence
Threats, coercion, controlling behaviour
Child-related safety concerns
Urgent risk requiring a Protection Order
False allegations or unfair DVO applications
All discussions are confidential and judgment-free.
Need Urgent Advice? Contact Us Immediately
We know every family is different, so we will take time to understand your unique case and the outcome you desire, to give you the best possible legal advice.
Respondent Support - Have You Been Served With a DVO You Believe Is Unfair?
Domestic violence orders are serious and can affect your:
Parenting arrangements
Immigration status
Future family law case
Employment in certain fields
We assist respondents by:
Reviewing the allegations
Preparing your response
Representing you at mentions or contested hearings
Negotiating fair conditions
Minimising risk to your family law matter
You have the right to legal representation and a fair hearing.
How Our Domestic Violence Lawyers Support You
We provide practical, clear and supportive guidance, including:
Preparing and filing a DVO application
Representing you in court
Helping you gather evidence and safety documents
Safety planning for you and your children
Negotiating conditions with the other party
Advising on DVO + parenting orders interaction
Protecting your immigration or visa considerations
Helping if you have been wrongfully accused
We understand the emotional pressure, especially for clients with young children or complex family dynamics.
How DVOs Affect Parenting and Family Court Matters?
A Domestic Violence Order can significantly impact parenting arrangements. The court’s priority is the safety of children.
We help you understand how:
DVOs interact with parenting orders
Allegations influence custody decisions
Your evidence can be prepared for court
Safety concerns should be raised
Interim and final orders are shaped
Our team often handles matters where domestic violence, separation and child safety issues overlap.
Domestic Violence in Queensland Frequently Asked Questions
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Domestic violence includes any behaviour which is physically, sexually, economically, emotionally or psychologically abusive, threatening or coercive, or which causes you to fear for one’s safety.
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Examples may include:
Forcing victim to chose between perpetrator and friends/ famiy;
Prohibiting work, study etc;
Stopping ictim oging places outside home (taking keys, tampering with cards, taking clothes);
Embarrassing victim in front of family or friens to stop people coming over;
Damaging property to stop victim waning people to come over;
Moving house to a location where the victi has no family or other support network.
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In many instances, police officers are the first responders to incidents of domestic and family violence. According to the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act of 2012, police have power to issue a protection notice when they attend a scene of domestic violence and have reason to believe it has taken place. This notice acts as a request for a protection order to be heard in Magistrates Court at a later time. The notice requires the respondent to display good behaviour and refrain from committing any further acts of domestic violence towards the victim.
In addition, the police may also impose “cool down” conditions if deemed necessary. These conditions include restrictions on the respondent entering a specified location, approaching the victim within a certain distance, or contacting the victim directly or indirectly.
Furthermore, the police have the power to petition the court for a protection order or a modification of an existing order.
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A temporary protection order is a short-term order issued to protect an aggrieved from domestic violence until the application is decided by the court.
The Respondent spouse should obtain legal advice as soon as they ar mad aware of any domestic violence applicationbeing bought against them.
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You are entitled to contest an application for a protection order. The courts have the power to impose a temporary protection order pending the outcome of the application for a protection order.
When the court is informed a respondent spouse wishes to contest the application for a protection order, the court will make directions about the filing of material, including sworn affidavits and supporting evidence.
The applicant/aggrieved spouse will be directed to file their material first, followed by the respondent spouse a few weeks later.
The hearing of the matter will occur in the Magistrates Court where the Magistrate hears from the applicant/aggrieved as to why a protection order should be imposed. Both parties may be required to give evidence in closed court (not open to the public), and may also be cross-examined.
After hearing the evidence, the Magistrate will make their decision on the application, taking into account whether:
a relevant relationship exists between the aggrieved and respondent;
the respondent has committed domestic violence against the aggrieved; and
a protection order is necessary or desirable to protect the aggrieved from domestic violence.
If a DVO is made by the court there is a legislative presumption an order will be made for a five-year period. This period of time can be argued in certain circumstances.
The onus of proof is the balance of probabilities, which is a lower threshold than beyond reasonable doubt which is the onus of proof in criminal hearings.
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It is a criminal offence to breach any of the conditions of a TPO or DVO.
If the respondent breaches the TPO or DVO in any way, the aggrieved spouse may contact police. The police have a statutory duty to investigate domestic violence and can charge the respondent spouse with breaching the TPO or DVO. The respondent would need to appear before the court for a criminal offence.
The maximum penalty for breaching a TPO or DVO is three years imprisonment for the first breach. That penalty is increased to a maximum of five years if there is more than one in any five-year period.
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The Respondent can choose to:
agree to a domestic violence order being made;
oppose the application for an order;
ask for another court date to give them time to get legal advice.
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You can speak to us confidentially. Even if you’re uncertain, we can explain your options without taking immediate action.
You Don’t Have to Go Through This Alone
Whether you’re seeking protection or responding to allegations, we’re here to help you understand your options, stay calm and protect your future.