A Domestic Violence Order (DVO) is a court order made under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld). Its purpose is to protect people from domestic or family violence by placing legally enforceable conditions on the respondent’s behaviour — for example, prohibiting contact, restricting approaches to certain places, or requiring good behaviour.

Types of Domestic Violence Orders in Queensland

There are two main types of Domestic Violence Orders:

- Protection Order – a longer‑term order, usually lasting up to five years, that provides ongoing protection.

- Temporary Protection Order – a short‑term order made quickly to provide immediate safety until the court decides on a full Protection Order.

Domestic Violence Orders are designed to provide safety, accountability, and peace of mind. Whether you need to apply for an order or respond to one, Coral Coast Law can guide you through the process and ensure your rights are protected.

Under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld), an application for a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) can be made by:

- The aggrieved – the person experiencing domestic or family violence may apply directly to the Magistrates Court.

- The police – officers can apply on behalf of the aggrieved, and in urgent cases may also issue a temporary protection order until the court hearing.

- An authorised person – such as a lawyer, friend, family member, or community/welfare worker, who may apply with the court’s permission.

Applying for a Domestic Violence Order can feel daunting, but you don’t have to manage it on your own. Coral Coast Law will guide you through the process, prepare the necessary documents, and represent you in court to help achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.

In Queensland, the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld) provides for two types of Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs):

- Protection Order – This is the standard order made by the Magistrates Court. It usually lasts up to five years (though it can be extended) and sets out conditions the respondent must follow, such as not contacting the aggrieved, staying away from certain places, or maintaining good behaviour. Breaching a Protection Order is a criminal offence.

- Temporary Protection Order – This short‑term order is made quickly to provide immediate safety until the court can decide on a full Protection Order. It operates in the same way as a Protection Order but only remains in place until the next court hearing.

Domestic Violence Orders are designed to provide both urgent and ongoing protection. If you are applying for an order or responding to one, Coral Coast Law can explain how these orders work, prepare your case, and represent you in court to help achieve the best possible outcome.

Breaching a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) is a serious criminal offence under section 177 of the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld). The penalties are:

- First offence – up to 120 penalty units or 3 years’ imprisonment.

- Subsequent offence (within 5 years of a previous domestic violence conviction) – up to 240 penalty units or 5 years’ imprisonment.

A breach is treated as a criminal matter, meaning a conviction can be recorded. This may affect employment, travel, and other aspects of your future.

Whether you are the aggrieved seeking protection or the respondent defending an application, a Domestic Violence Order can have a major impact on your life. Coral Coast Law provides clear advice, careful preparation, and strong representation to help you navigate the process and achieve the best possible outcome.

If you have been named as the respondent in an application for a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld), you have the right to oppose the application in court.

For the Magistrates Court to make a DVO, it must be satisfied that:

- A relevant relationship exists – such as a spouse, former partner, family member, or informal carer.

- Domestic or family violence has occurred – as defined by the Act.

- An order is necessary or desirable – to protect the aggrieved from future domestic violence.

If the applicant cannot prove all of these elements, the court may refuse to make the order. 

Respondents may also challenge the scope of conditions sought, particularly if they are more restrictive than reasonably required for protection.

Being served with a DVO application can feel daunting, but you are entitled to defend yourself. Whether the issue is proving the relationship, disputing the allegations, or challenging the conditions, Coral Coast Law can analyse the evidence, prepare your defence, and advocate for you in court to ensure your side is properly heard.

Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs) are made under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld). They are civil orders, but breaching one is a criminal offence. This dual nature makes them different from many other court orders and means the consequences can be wide‑ranging — even if the order is never breached.

- For applicants (the aggrieved): Legal advice ensures your application is properly prepared, supported by evidence, and presented in a way that maximises your chances of securing protection.

- For respondents: Legal advice helps you understand the allegations, identify possible defences, and challenge conditions that may be unnecessary or overly restrictive.

- For both sides: A DVO can affect far more than the immediate court process. It may:

- Influence parenting arrangements in family law proceedings.

- Determine who can remain in the family home if exclusion conditions are made.

- Trigger reviews of professional licences such as Blue Cards, security licences, or weapons licences — even if the order is not breached.

- Impact employment opportunities in sensitive sectors like health, education, or security.

- Affect international travel or visas, especially if the order is breached and a criminal record results.

A Domestic Violence Order is not just a piece of paper. It can reshape your family life, career, and future opportunities. Whether you are seeking protection or defending an application, Coral Coast Law provides clear advice, careful preparation, and strong advocacy to help you navigate the process with confidence and safeguard your future.

Being involved in a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) application in Queensland is a serious matter. Whether you are the aggrieved seeking protection or the respondent defending an application, the outcome can affect your safety, your family, your career, and your future. Even if the order is never breached, the courts treat DVOs with the utmost seriousness, and the consequences can extend far beyond the courtroom.

At Coral Coast Law, we understand how stressful and overwhelming this process can be. We act quickly and strategically to protect your rights, carefully examine the evidence, and work towards the best possible outcome — whether that means:

- For applicants (the aggrieved): Preparing and presenting a strong application, gathering supporting evidence, and ensuring your case is put forward clearly and persuasively to maximise your chances of obtaining an order.

- For respondents: Analysing the allegations, identifying possible defences, and challenging conditions that are unnecessary, excessive, or unfair — while helping you understand the broader consequences for family law, employment, and licences.

- For both sides: Providing practical solutions to minimise disruption to your family, work, and daily life, and representing you with clear, confident advocacy in court.

Don’t wait. The earlier you obtain legal advice, the stronger your position will be. Call us today on 0447 028 080 or contact us online for urgent legal advice. Taking action now is the most important step you can take to protect yourself, your family, and your future.