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:
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DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811 (24/7)
- DVConnect Mensline: 1800 600 636 (9am–midnight, 7 days)
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National helpline (1800RESPECT): 1800 737 732 (24/7)
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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: 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
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Physical violence: hitting, slapping, choking/strangulation, kicking, using or threatening weapons, or any act causing bodily harm.
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Emotional/psychological abuse: humiliation, intimidation, threats, coercive control, monitoring communications, or isolating someone from support.
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Sexual violence: any non-consensual sexual act, coercion, or assault.
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Financial abuse: restricting access to money, taking earnings, preventing work, or imposing strict “allowances.”
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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:
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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.”
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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.
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Temporary and police-initiated action: Police can apply for temporary protection orders and may issue police protection notices in certain circumstances.
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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)
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Who can apply: Police can apply on your behalf, or you can apply directly to the Magistrates Court.
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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).
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Interim/temporary orders: The court can make temporary orders quickly if urgent.
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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)
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Keep a contemporaneous record (dates, times, what happened, witnesses).
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Save screenshots, messages, emails, call logs, and photos of injuries/damage.
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Seek medical attention and ask for clinical notes to be recorded.
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Tell a trusted person or support service about incidents (they may later provide a statement).
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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
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Police action: Depending on what happened, Police may apply for a temporary order and/or lay criminal charges.
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Court process: The Magistrates Court will consider whether a protection order is necessary and what conditions are appropriate.
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Support services: Assistance with safety planning, crisis accommodation, counselling, children’s support, and referrals to legal help.
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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:
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Explain options and prepare a strong, safety-focused application.
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Seek urgent temporary orders and appropriate conditions (including for children).
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Coordinate with Police and support services.
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Advise on parenting, property, and financial issues that often arise alongside safety concerns.
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Represent you at mentions, negotiations, and hearings.
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Help ensure orders are workable and enforceable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I report domestic violence in Queensland?
If you’re in immediate danger, call 000. Otherwise, report domestic violence to Queensland Police Service (QPS) at a local station or online. You can also seek support from DVConnect for guidance and safety planning.
What qualifies as domestic violence under Queensland law?
Domestic violence includes physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, financial abuse, and coercive control, as defined by the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld).
Can I report domestic violence anonymously in QLD?
Yes. You can provide information to police anonymously. However, anonymity may limit police action if evidence or statements are required for legal proceedings.
How do I apply for a Domestic Violence Order (DVO)?
You can apply through the Magistrates Court or police can apply on your behalf. Courts can issue temporary protection orders quickly if there’s immediate risk.
What evidence is needed to report domestic violence?
Helpful evidence includes photos of injuries, medical reports, messages or emails, witness statements, and police reports. You can still report without evidence—police will assess risk.
Will reporting domestic violence affect child custody or parenting orders?
Yes. Courts prioritise child safety. Proven domestic violence can influence parenting arrangements, including supervised time or sole parental responsibility.
Where can I get confidential help to report domestic violence in Queensland?
Contact DVConnect (Women’s Line 1800 811 811, Men’s Line 1800 600 636) or 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for 24/7 confidential support and referrals.
Take the First Step Towards Safety — We’re Here to Support You
If you’re facing domestic or family violence, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to navigate this process without help.
At VM Family Law, our experienced and compassionate family lawyers are here to support you through every step, from applying for a protection order to managing parenting arrangements, child support, and family dispute resolution. We understand the urgency and sensitivity involved. Our team works discreetly and efficiently to prioritise your safety and legal rights.
Call us on 07 3447 8966 or visit www.vmfamilylaw.com.au to schedule a confidential consultation today. Let us help you find the clarity, protection, and peace of mind you deserve starting now.
Official Information Sources
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Queensland Government – Domestic and Family Violence (how to get help, services, safety planning, DVConnect, Police responses)
https://www.qld.gov.au/families/legal -
Legal 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/
