Domestic Violence Lawyers Gold Coast
Domestic and family violence can leave you feeling unsafe and unsure of your next step. Whether you need a protection order or have been served with an application for one, our Gold Coast domestic violence lawyers give clear, confidential advice and act for you in the Magistrates Court.
Domestic Violence Orders (Protection Orders) in Queensland
If you are the Applicant seeking a Domestic Violence Order (DVO), you may require a solicitor to act on your behalf. Having an experienced lawyer from Collective Family Law Group on your team can relieve stress and anxiety during this process. We ensure you receive the protection you and your children require and provide clear advice on the options associated with a DVO, including the differences between a restraining order and a DVO.
If you are the Respondent, we defend your position and help you resolve the dispute. We appear on your behalf in the Magistrates Court to ensure your rights are protected throughout the application process.
Our team of specialists will guide you through every step. To discuss your situation, book your free discovery call with us today. You may not know what to do, but we do.
How domestic violence orders work in Queensland
Domestic violence orders are made under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld). An application can be made by the person who needs protection (the aggrieved), by someone authorised to act for them, or by the police. The relationship must be a “relevant relationship”, which includes current and former partners, family members and informal carers.
Domestic violence is broader than physical harm. It includes emotional, psychological and financial abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, stalking, and behaviour that is coercive or controlling. Since 26 May 2025, coercive control has also been a criminal offence in Queensland.
Temporary protection orders and protection orders
The Magistrates Court can make a temporary protection order to protect the aggrieved until the application is decided. To make a protection order, the court must be satisfied that a relevant relationship exists, that the respondent has committed domestic violence, and that the order is necessary or desirable to protect the aggrieved. Protection orders usually last for five years, unless the court decides a different period is appropriate. Every order requires the respondent to be of good behaviour and not commit domestic violence, and the court can add conditions such as no contact or staying away from a home or workplace.
If you have been served with an application
Being named as a respondent can affect your living arrangements, your time with your children, your employment and any weapons licence. You can consent to an order without admitting the allegations, negotiate the conditions, or contest the application at a hearing. Getting advice before your first court date helps you understand which option protects your interests, and what evidence you will need if the matter is contested.
Changing or ending an order
Either party, or the police, can apply to vary or revoke an order. The court will only do so if it is satisfied the change will not put the aggrieved or anyone named in the order at risk. Read more about the reasons to revoke a domestic violence order. Until the court changes the order, breaching it is a criminal offence, even if the aggrieved agrees to contact.
Domestic violence and your family law matter
Family violence is the first thing the family courts consider when deciding what parenting arrangements are in a child’s best interests. It can also be relevant to property settlement where violence has made one person’s contributions significantly harder. We can advise on your domestic violence order, your parenting arrangements and your property settlement together, so the steps you take in one do not undermine another.
Getting help now
If you are in immediate danger, call 000. For confidential support at any hour, contact DVConnect Womensline on 1800 811 811 or MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978. When you are ready for legal advice, call us on 1300 225 393 or contact us online.
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Dannielle Young
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FAQs
Does Australia have a domestic violence issue?
Yes. It is considered a major public health crisis, with statistics showing that roughly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men have experienced physical or sexual violence by a partner.