Being named as a respondent to a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) in Queensland can have serious flow‑on effects for certain licences, even if the order is not breached. Under Queensland law, a DVO may impact:

- Weapons licences – automatically suspended or cancelled under the Weapons Act 1990 (Qld).

- Blue Cards (Working with Children Check) – reviewed or suspended under the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (Qld).

- Security licences – affected under the Security Providers Act 1993 (Qld), as you must remain a “fit and proper person.”

- Other professional licences – including:

- Health practitioners (e.g. nurses, doctors, allied health) regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

- Teachers regulated by the Queensland College of Teachers.

- Corrections or youth justice officers, where suitability and character checks apply.

- Aviation and maritime workers, where safety and character requirements are assessed.

A DVO can affect your ability to hold or renew important licences — which may in turn affect your employment and livelihood. Getting legal advice before responding to an application is essential to protecting your future.

Yes. If you are named as a respondent in a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) application in Queensland, you are required to attend court on the date listed in the documents served on you. 

Under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld), the Magistrates Court can still hear the application and make orders even if you do not attend. 

Going to court gives you the opportunity to understand the process, protect your rights, and have your say before any orders are made.

As a respondent to a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) application in Queensland, you have several options when your matter first comes before the Magistrates Court:

- Consent to the order – You can agree to the order being made. This may be done with admissions (accepting the allegations) or without admissions (not admitting the allegations but not opposing the order).

- Oppose the order – You can tell the court you disagree with the application. The case will then be listed for a contested hearing where both sides present evidence.

- Ask for more time – You can request an adjournment to obtain legal advice before deciding how to proceed.

The decision you make in court can have lasting consequences for your family, your work, and your future. Getting legal advice before choosing how to respond is crucial to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome.

In Queensland, breaching a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) is a criminal offence under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld). If you do not follow the conditions of the order, police can charge you and the matter will be dealt with in the criminal courts.

- A first breach can result in a fine or imprisonment of up to 3 years.

- A second or subsequent breach within 5 years carries a maximum penalty of 5 years’ imprisonment.

Even seemingly minor or unintentional contact that goes against the order can still be treated as a breach.

A Domestic Violence Order (DVO) in Queensland is not a family law matter — it is a civil protection order made in the Magistrates Court under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld). However, a DVO can still affect family law proceedings, because the Family Court must consider any existing orders when deciding parenting and custody arrangements. If a DVO is breached, it immediately becomes a criminal law matter, with penalties of up to 3 years’ imprisonment for a first breach and up to 5 years for repeat breaches within 5 years.

Yes. If you are a respondent to a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) application in Queensland, you can oppose the order in the Magistrates Court under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld). The court will only make a DVO if it is satisfied that:

- A relevant relationship exists,

- Domestic violence has occurred, and

- An order is necessary or desirable to protect the aggrieved.

If you dispute any of these points, you may have a defence. Common examples include:

- Disputing the allegations – showing that the alleged behaviour did not occur, or does not meet the legal definition of “domestic violence.”

- Challenging the need for protection – arguing that an order is not necessary or desirable in the circumstances.

- Cross‑applications – if both parties apply for orders, the court must consider each application separately and decide whether protection is justified.

There are defences to a Domestic Violence Order application in Queensland, but the law is designed to put safety first. To successfully defend a DVO, you need strong evidence and professional legal representation. Getting legal advice as early as possible is critical to protecting your rights, building your case, and giving yourself the best chance of a positive outcome.

If you are served with a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) application in Queensland and do not attend court or file a response, the Magistrates Court can still make an order in your absence under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld).

Failing to respond can mean:

- The order is made without your input – you lose the chance to tell your side of the story or challenge the allegations.

- Stricter conditions may be imposed – restrictions could affect where you live, who you contact, and your ability to see your children.

- The order takes effect immediately – once made, police can enforce it straight away.

- Breaching the order is a criminal offence – with penalties of up to 3 years’ imprisonment for a first breach and up to 5 years for repeat breaches within 5 years.

Ignoring a DVO application is risky. The court can make binding orders against you without hearing your side, and those orders can have serious consequences for your family, your work, and your future. Getting legal advice quickly is the best way to protect your rights and ensure your voice is heard.

Facing a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) can feel overwhelming — the process moves quickly, the consequences are serious, and the law is complex. At Coral Coast Law, we provide clear guidance and strong representation to help you navigate every stage of the process under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld).

We can assist you by:

- Explaining your options in plain English – whether to consent, oppose, or seek more time, and what each choice means for your future.

- Representing you in court – ensuring your voice is heard and your rights are protected at every appearance.

- Defending or challenging applications – reviewing eidence and preparing submissions if you believe an order is unnecessary or unfair.

- Advising on alleged breaches – explaining the criminal consequences and representing you if you are charged.

- Protecting your broader interests – advising on how a DVO may affect parenting arrangements, employment, or other areas of your life.

At Coral Coast Law, we combine local knowledge, legal expertise, and a client‑focused approach to give you confidence in a difficult time. Whether you need urgent advice, strong courtroom advocacy, or ongoing support, we are here to protect your rights and help you work towards the best possible outcome.