Domestic violence remains a critical issue in Brisbane, impacting countless individuals and families. The effects of such violence are profound, often leading to long-term physical, emotional, and psychological trauma.
Queensland’s legal system provides a robust framework to protect victims, but navigating this system can be overwhelming. This is where a family lawyer becomes essential. A family lawyer can guide victims through the legal process, helping them secure protective orders, navigate court proceedings, and access critical support services.
As a community, we all have a role to play in offering support. This guide will explore eight practical ways to help victims of domestic violence in Brisbane, including knowing how to offer immediate assistance.
Please note this article serves as a guide in cases of domestic violence occurrence. If you, a friend, or anyone you know is in immediate danger, call the Police on 000 right away.
Understand the Cycle of Violence and Its Impact
Domestic violence often follows a recurring pattern known as the “cycle of violence,” which includes periods of tension building, an abusive incident, reconciliation, and calm.
Recognising this cycle is crucial in understanding why victims might stay in abusive relationships and how to support them effectively. The emotional abuse, physical violence, and control tactics employed by an abusive partner can severely impact a victim’s mental and emotional health, leading to feelings of helplessness and fear.
Brisbane’s statistics reveal that 1 in 6 Australian adults experience intimate partner violence at some point in their lives, with women being disproportionately affected. In 2024, Queensland Police received over 30,000 reports of domestic violence incidents, underscoring the widespread nature of this issue.
The Legal Protections Available
In Queensland, several legal protections are available to help victims of domestic violence. A key legal tool is the Domestic Violence Order (DVO), which is a court order designed to protect victims by restricting the abuser’s behaviour. The Queensland Courts have issued over 28,000 DVOs in the past year alone.
If someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, it’s crucial to guide them through the process of obtaining a DVO. This might involve helping them gather evidence, such as medical records and police reports, and accompanying them to court.
How to Help Victims of Domestic Violence
Helping domestic violence victims requires a combination of empathy, knowledge, and action. Whether you’re a friend, family member, or a concerned community member, there are practical ways you can support someone in a domestic violence situation. Here are eight tips on how to help.
1. Recognise the Different Forms of Violence
Domestic violence comes in many forms, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, economic abuse, and emotional abuse. Understanding these forms of violence is the first step in recognising when someone might be a victim of abuse.
Whether it’s a friend suffering bodily injury or someone struggling under control of finances, knowing the signs helps you offer the right support.
2. Encourage Safety Planning
Safety planning is a crucial step for anyone in a violent relationship. It involves helping the victim identify safe places, contact emergency services, and keep contact details of trusted friends or health professionals handy. Domestic violence services and community legal centres in Brisbane can assist with creating a thorough plan, ensuring the victim is prepared for bad times and in-between times.
3. Know Where to Find Support Services
Brisbane has a range of services for people affected by domestic violence, including domestic violence crisis accommodation, domestic violence counselling service, and online counselling service.
Organisations like the National Association of Services Against Sexual Violence offer services for women and children from violence.
Other DVO support organisations in Brisbane, Queensland and nationwide include:
- Brisbane Domestic Violence Service (BDVS)
- Domestic Violence Action Centre
- North Queensland Domestic Violence Resource Service
- DVConnect
Whether it’s counselling for people dealing with mental health issues or helping someone access emergency crisis accommodation, knowing the right services can make a significant difference.
4. Connect with Crisis Hotlines and Counselling Services
A crisis hotline or domestic abuse hotline can be a lifeline for those in a domestic violence situation. Australia-wide telephone hotlines and local services, such as the domestic violence counselling line, provide immediate support. Encouraging the victim to call one of these services or linking them to an online counselling service can offer them a safe space to talk and plan their next steps.
Please visit this article for a list of hotline numbers to contact for DVO support or to report a DVO case.
5. Support Legal Action and Documentation
Encourage the victim to document any bodily injury or other evidence of abuse. Legal services can assist in collecting counselling reports, medical records, and other evidence needed to take action within the justice system.
Brisbane’s family violence safety notice and other legal protections can help, especially during public holidays when support may be harder to find. Also, seek help from a family lawyer for expert guidance and advice.
6. Understand the Impact on Children
Children from violence-ridden homes often experience lasting trauma, including childhood emotional issues and mental health issues. Understanding the effects of child sexual abuse and other forms of child abuse is vital. Organisations like the Australian Childhood Foundation can provide resources and support to protect children and help them heal.
7. Offer Emotional and Practical Support
Victims of abuse often feel isolated, so maintaining contact with friends and family is essential. Offer a listening ear without judgment, and be there during both the bad times and the in-between times. Whether it’s assisting with emergency transport or helping them navigate their financial relationships, your support can help them rebuild their family relationships and move towards healthy relationships.
8. Advocate for Broader Community Support
Domestic violence is a problem that affects the entire community. By advocating for better justice process and criminal justice response, we can help ensure that female victims and others receive the protection and support they need. Addressing gender inequality, supporting Aboriginal people, and understanding the unique challenges faced by pregnant women and those with diverse gender identity can make our community safer and more inclusive.
Talk to VM Family Law
If you or someone you know needs legal assistance with domestic violence matters, contact VM Family Law in Brisbane at 07 3447 8966 for expert guidance.
FAQs
What are the signs of an abusive relationship?
Common signs include physical violence, emotional abuse, coercive control, and isolation from friends and family.
How can I help a friend in an abusive situation?
Offer emotional support, help them create a safety plan, and connect them with local services.
What is a Domestic Violence Order (DVO)?
A DVO is a legal order that restricts the behaviour of an abusive partner to protect the victim.
Where can victims find emergency accommodation in Brisbane?
Shelters like Centacare Brisbane, Safer Lives, Domestic & Family Violence Service and DV Connect are some of the crisis accommodation services that provide safe housing support for DV victims.
How does Queensland law protect victims of domestic violence?
Queensland law protects domestic violence victims through Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs), police-issued Protection Notices, and criminal penalties for breaches. Victims can also access legal aid, emergency services, and specialised support like DVConnect.
The state is strengthening protections with new laws, including criminalising coercive control.
What should I do if I witness domestic violence?
Contact emergency services immediately and provide any information that can help protect the victim. Hotlines you can call include 1800-737-732 (1800RESPECT) or Brisbane Domestic Violence Service at (07) 3217 2544. For urgent cases, call the police at 000.
Final Thoughts
Helping victims of domestic violence in Brisbane is crucial, and with the right knowledge and resources, we can all make a meaningful impact. Whether it’s through offering emotional support, understanding legal protections, or connecting someone with vital services, your actions can truly change lives.
If you or someone you know needs expert legal advice or assistance, reach out to VM Family Law today at 07 3447 8966. We’re here to help.
