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What Domestic Violence Orders are available in Australia?
November 5th, 2021 | by newwaylawyersFamily violence orders are typically made by Courts under state or territory laws, and they are called different things in different states and territories:
- Domestic Violence Order (QLD and NT)
- Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (NSW)
- Intervention Order (VIC and SA)
- Violence Restraining Order (WA)
- Family Violence Order (TAS, ACT)
The term family violence order is an umbrella term used to refer to all the different types of orders at a state or territory level.
Although legislation about family violence is state based and there are some differences in terminology, definitions and processes there are many common features of family violence orders.
A Family Violence Order Prohibits Certain Behavior and Provides Protection
A family violence order is an official document issued by the Police or the Court that imposes conditions on behaviour and may restrict contact between people. The specific provisions contained in a family violence orders depend on the individual circumstances of the situation but may include, among other things:
- Prohibition of family violence against a family member;
- Prohibition of damage of property of a family member;
- preventing contact or communication with a family member;
- restrictions on going near or to a family members’ home, work place, school or where their children attend school or childcare;
- revoking or suspending a weapons approval
Who Can Seek a Family Violence Order
Family violence orders can be initiated by an individual (or their lawyer), or by the Police. Police can apply for a family violence order even if the person to be protected by the order does not agree.
How long does a Family Violence Order Last
There are two types of family violence orders, interim family violence orders and final family violence orders. An interim family violence order is a temporary order made by the Court until a final order can be considered. A final family violence order is made for a defined period of time, which varies according to state or territory, but can be anywhere from 12 months to 5 years. An application can be made to extend or vary the length of a family violence order in certain circumstances.
Will a Family Violence Order give the respondent a criminal history?
A family violence order is not a criminal charge, it is a civil court order and it won’t appear on the Respondent’s criminal history. If however a Respondent breaches the terms of a family violence order this constitutes a criminal offence. Breaching a family violence order is a serious criminal offence and the penalties can include imprisonment.
Does a DVO mean your relationship has to end?
A family violence order does not automatically end a relationship between the protected person and the Respondent or stop them from living together, unless the family violence order states that the Respondent is to have no contact with the protected person. Sometimes couples do want to stay together, but a protection order is necessary to ensure safety. Safety should always be considered first.
Get legal advice
It is always best to get legal advice when you need help with a family violence order. Our experienced lawyers offer a free 20 minute consultation, you can contact us here or on (07) 3548 5890.
Help is available and you never have to do this alone.
- If you need urgent help, call the police on 000.
- If you need housing in a women’s refuge, call 1800 811 811.
- For legal advice, call New Way lawyers on (07) 3548 5890.
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Tips for self representing at Court in domestic violence matters
April 12th, 2021 | by excitemediaWhile there is no specific dress code the Court requires visitors to recognise that it is a formal place and individuals should therefore dress accordingly.
Do wear:
- Neat, clean and ironed clothing
- Dress shirt or blouse, open-collar or polo shirt
- Long pants or a dress or skirt at knee-length or below
- Blazer, sweater or cardigan as it may become cold
- Comfortable shoes that cover all or most of the foot
Do not wear:
- Thongs
- Singlets
- Fluoro colours
- Hats, helmets or sunglasses
What should I take with me?
Being prepared is important. You should ensure that you take the following items with you to Court:
- Copies of all Court documents that you have received
- Copies of all Court documents that you have prepared
- Any other documents that you want to rely on
- Pen and paper
- Water and a snack
Who can come to court with me?
You can bring a support person with you to Court. Your support person may be a family member or friend. A person should not be your support person if they are involved in the proceedings or likely to be called as a witness to the proceedings.
Where do I sit in the Courtroom?
What if I am concerned for my safety?
The Court can make arrangements for you, when you attend Court, if you are concerned about your safety. You can contact the Court where your case is being heard and discuss your concerns and possible arrangements. It is best to call the Court at least five days before your Court date.
There are safe rooms available in many registries and provision can sometimes be made for separate entry and exit points. You may be able to attend by phone or by video. If you are concerned about your safety outside the Court or have questions about domestic violence, it is recommended to contact the police or domestic violence support services.
How should I behave in the courtroom?
The Court is a formal venue and individuals are expected to show respect to Court personnel and follow certain practices. When you are in Court:
- Do not take food or drink into the Courtroom
- Turn your mobile phone off before entering the Courtroom
- If the Judge is present and sitting down in the Courtroom when you enter and exit you should briefly bow as a sign of respect
- You should call the Judge ‘Your Honour’
- Do not speak when the Judge is speaking
- Do not interrupt the other party when they are speaking
- Be mindful of both your language and body language
Flowchart of domestic violence proceedings
Message from the CEO
At New Way Lawyers, we think families are special. When difficult situations like conflict, separation, divorce or the passing of a loved one occur within a family we care and we want to help. Our purpose is to provide a holistic response for individuals who are facing these challenging situations so that they can find a pathway forward for the future. In 2009 we opened as Australia‘s first non profit law firm and we are committed to providing the best quality legal advice at an affordable price with a strong focus on client care.
In many situations individuals feel that they have no option but to represent themselves in their legal matter because they are not eligible for Legal Aid but cannot afford the cost of a private law firm. As a non profit law firm, New Way Lawyers seeks to help these individuals by providing quality legal advice and representation at a more affordable cost. Even though we are able to help many individuals who believed the only option was to represent themselves, we understand that some individuals may still need to, or choose to self represent.
Having to learn all about the law relating to domestic violence can be a daunting and difficult process. We have therefore prepared this practical information about what to expect when you first attend the Magistrates Courts. We hope that it will be of assistance to you.
Carolyn Devries
Through our Lunch with a Lawyer Facebook group we have been able to answer many questions asked by people who are self representing in family law matters. If you’d like to have your questions answered, sign up below.
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Domestic Violence: 8 Myths Part 1
October 16th, 2019 | by excitemediaWelcome to the first instalment of our two-part series on domestic violence myths.
Domestic violence is a sensitive topic, but it is still one that needs to be talked about openly and candidly. Domestic violence occurs far too frequently. According to the 2016 Personal Safety Survey completed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics 17% of women and 6% of men had experienced physical and / or sexual abuse by a current or former partner from the age of 15. Further, 23% of women and 16% of men had experienced emotional abuse by a current or former partner from the same age. During this 8 part series we will discuss domestic violence and in the process dispel some common myths and provide helpful information if you are facing this very difficult situation.
Myth 1: Domestic Violence is only Physical Violence
The definition of domestic violence is broad and covers a range of different behaviours that occur within the context of a relevant domestic relationship. These behaviours are not just limited to physical violence. Domestic violence is defined in section 8 of Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 Qld as behaviour that is
- (a) physically or sexually abusive, or
- (b) emotionally or psychologically abusive, or
- (c) economically abusive, or
- (d) threatening, or
- (e) coercive, or
- (f) in any other way controls or dominates a person and causes the person to fear for their safety or wellbeing.
In the same section of the Act some specific examples are provided of behaviour that is domestic violence. Some of these examples include
- (a) causing personal injury to a person or threatening to do so
- (b) damaging a person’s property or threatening to do so
- (c) threatening to commit suicide or self harm so as to torment intimidate or frighten
- (d) causing or threatening death or injury to an animal.
- (e) stalking
Practical Pointer: Get to Safety and Seek Support
If you find yourself in a situation of domestic violence call the Police and get to safety immediately. Once you are safe, seek support and assistance from family and friends. You should also seek professional advice and information about the legal options for protecting yourself.
Myth 2: Only the Police Can Apply for a Domestic Violence Order
It is not only the Police who can apply for a domestic violence order.
Section 25 of the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 Qld provides that an application for a domestic violence order may be made personally by the victim. If, however the victim feels apprehensive or overwhelmed by the application process it is also possible for them to authorise a person to make the application on their behalf. It is also recognised that a person acting as a guardian or attorney can make an application for a domestic violence order on behalf the victim. In these circumstances the application process would involve attending a Police Station or Court House to obtain an application form, then filling out the form and filing it with the Court.
An alternative approach is for the victim to make a complaint of domestic violence to the Police. The Police will then determine whether to make an application for a domestic violence order and bring any criminal charges if appropriate. In this situation any application form would be completed and filed with the Court by the Police.
There is no fee to pay when filing an application for a protection order with the Court.
Practical Pointer: Detailed Information
When completing an application for protection order you should provide as much information as possible about any incidents of domestic violence that have occurred including the dates and times of the incidents as well as any injuries sustained. In addition, details regarding the reporting of any domestic violence to authorities or medical services should be provided.
Myth 3: A domestic violence order can only protect the victim
The protection provided by a domestic violence order isn’t just limited to the victim of the domestic violence. Section 24 of the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 Qld provides that a domestic violence order can also cover other ‘named people’ who have been affected or impacted by the violence, namely:
- a child of the aggrieved (including an unborn child) or a child who usually lives with the aggrieved;
- a relative of the aggrieved;
- an associate of the aggrieved (e.g. their new partner, a flat mate or a work colleague)
A court can name a child of the aggrieved or a child who usually lives with the aggrieved on a domestic violence order to protect the child from associated domestic violence or being exposed to domestic violence. A child is considered to have been exposed to domestic violence if the child has:
- seen or heard an assault;
- overheard threats of physical abuse;
- overheard repeated denigration;
- comforts someone who has been abused;
- seen bruises or injuries to another person;
- is present when police respond to a domestic violence incident.
The court must consider naming a child on a domestic violence order even if the application does not specifically request that the children be named. A relative or associate of the aggrieved may be named on a domestic violence order if the Court is satisfied that naming the person is ‘necessary or desirable’ to protect that person from domestic violence.
When a person is named on a domestic violence order the conditions that apply to protect the aggrieved will also apply to the people who are named on the order.
Practical Pointer
If you are making an application for a protection order and you are seeking to name other people on the order make sure you include their full names, date of birth and addresses on the application form.
Myth 4: A domestic order only prevents physical violence
A domestic violence order protects the victim of domestic violence by restraining the behaviour of the perpetrator.
Section 54 of the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 Qld provides that certain standard conditions that must be included in all domestic violence orders. These standard conditions are that the perpetrator must be of good behaviour and must not commit domestic violence towards the victim. In circumstances where another adult is named on the domestic violence order the perpetrator must also be of good behaviour and not commit associated domestic violence against that person. If a child is named on the domestic violence order, then the perpetrator must be of good behaviour and not commit associated domestic violence and not expose the child to domestic violence.
In addition to the standard conditions, a domestic violence order can also include extra conditions if the court considers it necessary and desirable in the circumstances to protect the victim or a named person. Examples of the types of the conditions that can be included in a domestic violence order are (according to the DFVP Act):
- prohibiting the perpetrator from approaching, contacting or locating the victim or named person or attempting to do any of these things
- prohibiting the perpetrator from being present at a certain location where the victim or named child may be present or attend frequently (e.g. workplace, school or kindergarten)
- prohibiting the perpetrator from remaining at a premises where the perpetrator and victim live or previously lived
If a domestic violence order is made, the perpetrator is not allowed to possess a weapon or a weapon’s licence under the Weapons Act 1990 Qld. The domestic violence order will note that any license held by the perpetrator is revoked and provide information about the surrender of their weapons – this applies even if the perpetrator has a profession that involves working with a weapon.
Practical Pointer: Detailed Information
If you are making an application for a protection order and are requesting that additional conditions be made as well as the standard conditions you will need to outline reasons in support. Carefully read each of the additional conditions set out in the application form and provide the additional information and reasons that has been requested.This information is intended as general legal information only for people living in Queensland and is not a substitute for individual legal advice.