Domestic violence refers to any form of abusive behaviour, including physical violence, emotional abuse, economic abuse, or coercive control, within intimate personal relationships.
This can involve spouses, de facto partners, or even family members. The Domestic & Family Violence Protection Act of 2012 helps protect victims through domestic violence orders, ensuring safety and legal support during domestic violence proceedings.

Coercive control involves a pattern of controlling, manipulative behaviour in an abusive relationship, aiming to intimidate, isolate and dominate the victim. This can include emotional abuse, threats, monitoring, and restriction of freedoms.

It’s a serious form of domestic violence with severe legal consequences, and those experiencing it are encouraged to seek legal help and support services.

The Domestic & Family Violence Protection Act of 2012 Family Violence Protection Act of 2012 provides the legal framework for issuing domestic violence orders in Queensland. It aims to prevent and respond to domestic violence, ensuring protection for individuals in intimate, spousal, and family relationships. The Act allows for urgent temporary protection orders and outlines the legal consequences of committing domestic violence.

A police protection notice is issued by a police officer when there is an immediate risk of further harm. It provides urgent temporary protection for the person seeking protection, usually before a domestic violence order application is made. The notice can last up to 72 hours and requires the respondent to attend court for a final order hearing.

To obtain a domestic violence order, a person seeking protection must apply to the Magistrates Court, providing evidence of committed domestic violence or threats. A police officer may issue an urgent temporary protection order if immediate protection is needed. A final order will be decided at the court’s final hearing, ensuring ongoing legal protection.

A restraining order in Queensland can be issued if there is evidence of domestic violence or the threat of further harm in relevant relationships, such as spousal, de facto, or family member relationships. If a person has experienced violence or abuse, they can apply for a domestic violence order to ensure their protection from the perpetrator.

An AVO (Apprehended Violence Order) is typically used in New South Wales, while a domestic violence order or protection order is used in Queensland. All aim to protect the victim by restricting the abuser’s actions. The key difference lies in jurisdiction, but all orders are legal tools that prevent further harm and hold the abuser accountable.

A temporary protection notice in Queensland is generally known as a Police Protection Notice, and provides urgent, immediate protection for the person seeking protection. It is issued by a police officer until a full domestic violence order application is heard by the court, where a final order may be decided during court proceedings. An interim protection order lasts longer than a Police Protection Notice and is a short-term protective measure until the court can decide if a Final order will be made.

An interim protection order is a temporary order issued by the court before the final hearing. It provides immediate protection while waiting for the court to make a final decision. A final protection order is issued after a full hearing, offering long-term protection and legal consequences for further breaches of the order.

If you are responding to an application for a protection order, it’s important to attend court and understand the legal consequences. You may dispute the order or agree to its terms – but it’s crucial you follow the terms of the order. It’s important to seek legal advice from experienced domestic violence lawyers to protect your rights and navigate the court proceedings effectively.