A Full Protection Order, also known as a Final Domestic Violence Order (DVO), is made by the Magistrates Court under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld). It provides long‑term, enforceable protection for people who have experienced domestic or family violence.

Under section 97, a Final DVO generally lasts for five years, unless the court decides a longer or shorter period is necessary to protect the aggrieved or a named person. The order’s purpose is to prevent future violence, harassment, or intimidation by placing legally binding conditions on the respondent, giving victims and children ongoing safety and stability.

A Final DVO is the highest level of protection available under Queensland law. It is designed to provide long‑term security and enforceable safeguards, giving victims and children the strongest legal framework to reduce the risk of further harm.

Under section 97 of the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld), a Final Domestic Violence Order (Full Protection Order) usually lasts for five years from the date it is made, unless the court sets a different period.

The court can make the order longer if needed for safety, or shorter if there are reasons to justify it, ensuring the duration matches the level of protection required.

A Final DVO in Queensland generally runs for five years, but the court can adjust this timeframe to provide the protection it considers necessary.

Every Final Domestic Violence Order (Full Protection Order) must include a standard condition that the respondent is not to commit domestic violence against the aggrieved, or any named children or relatives.

The court can also impose additional conditions tailored to the case, such as:

- Prohibiting the respondent from contacting, approaching, or locating the aggrieved.

- Restricting the respondent from attending the aggrieved’s home, workplace, or other specified places.

- Preventing the respondent from asking someone else to contact or intimidate the aggrieved.

- Any other condition the court considers necessary or desirable to protect the safety, wellbeing, or peace of the aggrieved and named persons.

A Final DVO can go well beyond a simple “no violence” rule. The court has wide powers to set strict, enforceable conditions that limit contact, movement, and behaviour — all designed to give victims and children the strongest possible legal protection.

If you are a respondent to an application for a Final Domestic Violence Order (Full Protection Order), you have the right to oppose it. The Magistrates Court can only make a Final DVO if it is satisfied that:

- A relevant relationship exists.

- Domestic violence has occurred.

- A protection order is necessary or desirable to protect the aggrieved or named persons (Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld), s 37).

How respondents may defend an application:

- Disputing the allegations: showing the alleged conduct does not meet the legal definition of domestic violence.

- Challenging necessity: arguing that an order is not required for future safety.

- Misidentification: where the wrong person has been named as the respondent.

- Consent without admission: agreeing to an order without admitting the allegations, to avoid a contested hearing.

A Final DVO will only be made if the court is satisfied all three legal tests are met. With the right legal advice, respondents may have cause to challenge the evidence, contest the need for an order, or negotiate conditions that protect their rights while addressing the court’s concerns.

Breaching a Final Domestic Violence Order (Full Protection Order) is a criminal offence under section 177 of the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld). A breach occurs whenever the respondent fails to comply with any condition of the order — such as contacting the aggrieved, going to a prohibited place, or using another person to make contact.

Penalties are severe:

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

- Subsequent offence (within 5 years) – up to 5 years’ imprisonment.

Police treat breaches as urgent, and convictions can leave a permanent criminal record with serious consequences for work, travel, and professional licensing.

Breaching a Final DVO is not just breaking a court order — it is a serious crminal offence that can lead to prison. If you are accused of a breach, or if a breach has affected your safety, seek immediate legal advice to protect your rights and future.

A Final Domestic Violence Order (Full Protection Order) in Queensland carries serious legal consequences. The Magistrates Court applies strict tests under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld), and the outcome can directly affect your rights, your family arrangements, and your future.

Getting legal advice ensures you understand the order, your obligations, and your options — whether you are seeking protection or responding to an application. With the right representation, you can make informed decisions and work towards the best possible outcome in court.

Legal advice gives you clarity, confidence, and a strategy. It is the most effective way to protect your rights and navigate Queensland’s domestic violence laws.

At Coral Coast Law, we know that dealing with a Final Domestic Violence Order (Full Protection Order) can be overwhelming. These matters move quickly, the law is complex, and the consequences are serious. That’s why having the right lawyer on your side makes all the difference. We:

- Explain your rights and obligations under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld) in clear, practical terms.

- Carefully analyize the evidence and prepare strong submissions to support your case.

- Negotiate workable conditions or challenge unfair terms.

- Represent you in court to protect your safety, your rights, and your future.

Whether you are seeking protection or defending an application, Coral Coast Law provides professional, responsive, and compassionate representation to help you achieve the best possible outcome under Queensland’s domestic violence laws.