Domestic Violence

Domestic and family violence matters can have serious and immediate consequences for all parties involved. These matters may arise in the context of intimate relationships, family relationships, informal care arrangements, or other domestic relationships recognised by law.

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Domestic violence law is designed to protect individuals from behaviour that is abusive, coercive, controlling, threatening, or causes fear for a person's safety or wellbeing. Allegations can give rise to both civil proceedings, such as protection order applications, and criminal proceedings where an offence is alleged to have occurred.

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Domestic violence matters may involve:

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• Applications for Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs)

• Urgent temporary protection orders

• Police-issued protection notices

• Responding to domestic violence applications

• Variations of existing orders

• Breaches of domestic violence orders

• Assault and related criminal charges arising from domestic disputes

• Allegations of coercive, controlling, threatening, or abusive behaviour

• Property damage offences

• Stalking and intimidation allegations

• Interactions between domestic violence proceedings and parenting or family law matters

• Appeals and reviews of domestic violence orders

 

A domestic violence order can impose significant restrictions on an individual's conduct, movement, communication, and contact with others. Allegations or findings of domestic violence may also affect employment, professional licences, firearms licences, family law proceedings, and a person's reputation.

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Whether seeking protection from domestic violence or responding to an application or criminal allegation, obtaining legal advice at an early stage can assist in understanding rights, obligations, and the potential consequences of court proceedings.