Legal Aid Queensland has released its updated guide to help people experiencing domestic and family violence to navigate the process of applying for a protection order in court.
“Each year, Legal Aid Queensland provides legal help to thousands of people experiencing violence, abuse and control in their relationships,” Family Law Services principal lawyer Fionna Fairbrother said.
“We help people to understand their legal rights and options, assist them to develop strategies to enhance their safety, provide referrals to support services, and help them to apply for protection orders to protect their own and their family’s safety.
“Our updated How to apply for a domestic violence order guide helps people understand what they need to do to apply for a protection order in court, including how to complete forms and how to prepare for court.”
This practical, easy to understand guide covers why it’s important to get legal advice if you’re experiencing domestic violence, examples of domestic and family violence behaviours, what a domestic violence order is, and who can be protected by an order.
“Some people experiencing domestic or family violence may not realise the pattern of controlling behaviours they’re being subject to is actually defined as domestic violence in our laws,” Ms Fairbrother said.
“Common controlling behaviours we see stretch far beyond instances of physical assault and include monitoring a survivor’s phone, email, internet and social media use, stalking them, restricting contact with family and friends, limiting access to money, coercing them to engage in sexual activities without consent, threatening to harm the victim, their children or family members, making threats to commit suicide or self-harm, or to publicly reveal a victim’s sexuality or gender identity.”
The guide steps through how to prepare an application for a domestic violence order, what to expect when appearing in court, what orders the Magistrate could make and a glossary of commonly used legal words.
“We hope this guide can give people the information they need so when they are ready to seek help, they are well informed and can refer to this guide as they navigate the process of applying for a domestic violence order,” Ms Fairbrother said.
You can read, download or order a free copy of the guide from the Legal Aid Queensland website: www.legalaid.qld.gov.au
Legal Aid Queensland offers a range of services for people experiencing domestic violence, including our court-based domestic violence duty lawyer service, free legal advice and representation for some domestic violence matters. You can access our services by calling 1300 65 11 88. If you or your children are at immediate risk, call the police. In an emergency call 000.
Media contact:
Miranda Greer or Katherine Gorter (07) 3917 0407 or (07) 3917 0457
Last updated 7 May 2021