If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence in Queensland or anywhere in Australia, it’s crucial to know how to report it safely and understand your legal options to protect yourself or your loved one from further harm.
This blog explains the practical steps to report domestic violence in Queensland and the legal pathways that can help keep you safe.
If you, a friend, or anyone you know is in immediate danger, call the Police on 000.
Key support contacts:
DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811 (24/7)
- DVConnect Mensline: 1800 600 636 (9am–midnight, 7 days)
National helpline (1800RESPECT): 1800 737 732 (24/7)
Policelink (non-urgent): 131 444 (24/7)
Please note: this is general information only and not legal advice — please contact VM Family Law for accurate, tailored advice. Our full contact details can be found here: https://www.vmfamilylaw.com.au/contact/
What is Domestic Violence?
In Queensland, “domestic violence” (also called domestic and family violence) covers a range of behaviours by a person towards a partner, ex-partner, or other relevant family/household relationship that are physically, sexually, emotionally/psychologically, economically abusive, threatening, coercive, or otherwise controlling, causing the person to fear for their safety or wellbeing.
It can include physical assault, sexual violence, stalking, threats, property damage, isolating someone from family or friends, monitoring or surveillance, and controlling access to money. Recognising these patterns matters because domestic violence often escalates over time.
Types of Domestic Violence
Physical violence: hitting, slapping, choking/strangulation, kicking, using or threatening weapons, or any act causing bodily harm.
Emotional/psychological abuse: humiliation, intimidation, threats, coercive control, monitoring communications, or isolating someone from support.
Sexual violence: any non-consensual sexual act, coercion, or assault.
Financial abuse: restricting access to money, taking earnings, preventing work, or imposing strict “allowances.”
Social abuse: isolating from family/friends; controlling movements or communications.
Impact on Victims and Families
Domestic violence can cause physical injury and serious mental health consequences (including anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms). It affects children who witness or experience abuse, and can destabilise housing, employment, and finances. Early support and safety planning improve outcomes and reduce risk.
What Causes Domestic Violence?
Domestic and family violence is complex. It is commonly linked to patterns of power and control within relationships. Contributing factors can include entrenched inequality, coercive behaviours, and learned patterns within families or communities. Regardless of contributing factors, there is no excuse for violence or abuse.
Queensland Domestic Violence Laws (Your Legal Options)
Domestic violence in Queensland is primarily addressed under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld). Key features include:
Protection orders (DVOs): The Magistrates Court can make a protection order (often called a domestic violence order/DVO) to protect the “aggrieved” (person in need of protection) from the “respondent.”
Conditions: Orders include standard conditions (no domestic violence) and can include no contact, not approaching the aggrieved or named children/locations, returning property, and other safety measures.
Temporary and police-initiated action: Police can apply for temporary protection orders and may issue police protection notices in certain circumstances.
Breach is a criminal offence: Breaching a protection order is a criminal offence and can lead to charges and penalties.
If there are existing parenting orders, the court can consider safety and may take steps to address any inconsistency to prioritise protection.
How to Report Domestic Violence (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: If you’re in danger, call 000
Police will prioritise safety, attend the scene, and can take immediate steps including applying for a temporary protection order or laying criminal charges where appropriate.
Step 2: Non-urgent reporting
Use Policelink (131 444) or attend your local police station to report concerns and discuss options.
Step 3: Get specialist support
Use approved services for confidential help, safety planning, and referrals: DVConnect, 1800RESPECT, and Queensland government-listed services. These services can help with risk assessment, safe accommodation, and practical steps.
Step 4: Apply for a Protection Order (DVO)
Who can apply: Police can apply on your behalf, or you can apply directly to the Magistrates Court.
What you’ll provide: Details of the relationship, incidents (dates if known), risks to you/children, and any evidence (photos of injuries/damage, messages, medical notes, witness details).
Interim/temporary orders: The court can make temporary orders quickly if urgent.
At court: A duty lawyer or Legal Aid may be available. The respondent is served and may consent (with or without admissions) or oppose; a hearing may be listed if disputed.
Step 5: Keep copies and follow conditions
Carry a copy of your order (physical or electronic). If the respondent breaches any condition, report it to Police immediately. Keep a log of incidents, messages, and visits for evidence.
Evidence & Documentation (Practical Tips)
Keep a contemporaneous record (dates, times, what happened, witnesses).
Save screenshots, messages, emails, call logs, and photos of injuries/damage.
Seek medical attention and ask for clinical notes to be recorded.
Tell a trusted person or support service about incidents (they may later provide a statement).
Ask your GP or a counsellor for referrals and letters if needed.
You do not need to wait until you have “enough evidence” to seek help—prioritise safety, and a court can act on your sworn evidence and risk.
After Reporting: What to Expect
Police action: Depending on what happened, Police may apply for a temporary order and/or lay criminal charges.
Court process: The Magistrates Court will consider whether a protection order is necessary and what conditions are appropriate.
Support services: Assistance with safety planning, crisis accommodation, counselling, children’s support, and referrals to legal help.
Legal advice: Legal Aid Queensland and private family lawyers (including VM Family Law) can advise on protection orders and related family law issues (parenting/property).
Why Engage a Family Law Firm?
Specialist family lawyers can:
Explain options and prepare a strong, safety-focused application.
Seek urgent temporary orders and appropriate conditions (including for children).
Coordinate with Police and support services.
Advise on parenting, property, and financial issues that often arise alongside safety concerns.
Represent you at mentions, negotiations, and hearings.
Help ensure orders are workable and enforceable.
FAQs
What are the first steps if I’m unsafe right now?
Call 000. If non-urgent, use Policelink 131 444. You can also contact DVConnect or 1800RESPECT for safety planning and immediate support.
What is a protection order (DVO)?
A Magistrates Court order that sets conditions to keep you safe (e.g., no contact, staying away from home/work/school, not publishing about you). Breaching a DVO is a criminal offence.
Do I need a lawyer to get a DVO?
No, but legal advice helps you present your case clearly, request appropriate conditions, and understand how the order interacts with parenting/property issues.
Can Police help even if I don’t want to go to court?
Police can apply for orders on your behalf and, where appropriate, lay criminal charges. Your safety is the priority.
What if there are children?
Tell Police/court about any safety concerns for children. Protection orders can include children. If you have or need parenting orders, get legal advice so that safety is properly considered.
What happens if the order is breached?
Report breaches to Police immediately. Alleged breaches may lead to charges and court outcomes.
Conclusion
Domestic and family violence is never acceptable. If you’re experiencing abuse, help is available—today. Reporting to Police, seeking a protection order, and getting the right legal and support services in place can reduce risk and protect you and your family.
VM Family Law’s experienced Queensland family lawyers provide compassionate, practical help with protection orders and related parenting/property issues. We coordinate with support services and keep your safety at the centre of every step.
Call 07 3447 8966 or visit vmfamilylaw.com.au for confidential advice.
Official Information Sources
Queensland Government – Domestic and Family Violence (how to get help, services, safety planning, DVConnect, Police responses)
https://www.qld.gov.au/families/legalLegal Aid Queensland – Domestic and Family Violence (applications for protection orders, Police role, court process, breaches)
https://www.legalaid.qld.gov.au/Queensland Law Handbook – Domestic and Family Violence (law, definitions, orders, court process)
https://queenslandlawhandbook.org.au/Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia – Family violence (impact on parenting, safety considerations, court resources)
https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/Family Relationships Online – Family violence and safety, national support services (including 1800RESPECT)
https://www.familyrelationships.gov.au/Queensland Law Society – Find a family lawyer and legal rights resources
https://www.qls.com.au/
