Domestic and Family Violence takes many forms, and is not limited to physical violence.
Sometimes, family violence can be situational, for example, a reaction to stressors like separation. Keeping you and your children safe at separation is our highest priority. Our experienced family lawyers have helped countless people – all genders – leave relationships safely.
Domestic Violence can also be a pattern of behaviour designed to control or intimidate one partner in a relationship through fear. In Queensland, the act of coercive control has been added to the meaning of domestic violence in the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012.
If you have been in a toxic relationship, it is often hard to recognise if you have been the victim of domestic violence or abuse. If any of the following have occurred in your relationship, then domestic violence may be an issue:
Behaviour that is coercive or controlling can include control of finances, threats to start legal proceedings against someone or have them deported, controlling what a person wears, or who they talk to.
We are a trauma-informed practice, and we are ready to assist you without judgement.
A domestic violence order (DVO) is a civil order, not a criminal conviction. In Queensland, where a person alleges that there has been domestic violence in their relationship, Police are required adopt a cautious approach and apply for a DVO.
However, there have been multiple studies that suggest that false or vexatious domestic violence complaints, or DVO applications, are a key method of systems abuse for perpetrators in Australia. This can lead to misidentification of the primary victim of abuse, and have grave impact on family law proceedings, particularly when children are involved.
Being served with an application for a domestic violence order can be one of the most confronting things that ever happens to you.
We are experts in Domestic Violence law. We believe you. And we’re here to help.
If reading any of this information has raised any concerns for you:
