Domestic and Family Violence

Breaking free from domestic and family violence

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:

  • Causing personal injuries to a person or threatening to hurt or kill them;
  • Coercing a person to engage in unwanted sexual activity or attempting to do so;
  • Damaging a person’s property or possessions, or threatening to do so;
  • Threatening self-harm unless a person does or does not do something;
  • Threatening or harming pets or other animals;
  • Unauthorised surveillance of a person, such as tracking phones or vehicles and installing cameras without permission.

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.

We’re based in Mitchelton and help people across Brisbane’s north-west, in person or online.

Domestic Violence Orders & Systems Abuse

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 to 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:

Related reading

Parenting arrangements Arrangements built around what your child needs.Family dispute resolution with Thrive Mediation Including when there’s a protection order in place.
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