Domestic violence orders
Need advice about a domestic violence order or police protection direction? Pascoe Law are here to help
Being involved in a domestic violence order is complex on both sides. No matter whether you’re responding to an order or applying for one yourself, the outcome can affect where you live, who you can contact, and arrangements involving your children.
At Pascoe Law, we're the domestic violence lawyers Brisbane clients rely on to provide straightforward, practical advice at a time when clarity matters most. We’ll explain how the legal process works, outline your legal rights, and help you understand the potential consequences before you step into court.
If you’ve been served with a domestic violence order, have a court date approaching, or are considering making an application, speaking with a lawyer early can make the whole process much more straightforward.
Speak with an experienced domestic violence lawyer today.
What is a Police Protection Direction?
As of 1 January 2026, Police now have the power to issue on the spot Police Protection Directions (PDDs). A PDD has the same effect of a court ordered domestic violence order, and ordinarily is put in place for 12 months.
If you have been issued a PDD, or are the aggrieved on a PDD, you can review them one of two ways:
Apply for a Court review
A Magistrate can confirm, revoke, amend or extend the PDD.
Request a Police review
A Police officer can confirm, revoke or amend the PDD.
If you or a family member has been issued with a Police Protection Direction it is important you speak with an experienced domestic violence lawyer as soon as possible.
What is a domestic violence order?
A domestic violence order (DVO) is a court order made to protect someone from violence, threats, or abusive behaviour by a partner, ex-partner, or family member.
There are two types of orders:
- A temporary protection order, made quickly in urgent cases ex parte or at the first mention
- A final protection order, usually lasting five years
A DVO can include conditions like stopping contact, staying away from someone’s home or work, or not approaching children. Breaching a DVO is a criminal offence, even if the other person agrees to contact.
Who we help
We work with people on both sides of domestic violence matters — those applying for protection, and those responding to an order.
If you’ve had a DVO taken out against you, we’ll explain what it means, what you can and can’t do, and how to respond in court.
If you need to apply for a protection order, we’ll guide you through the process and prepare your application properly.
We also assist parents, grandparents, and other family members caught up in related proceedings.
How our domestic violence lawyers can assist
Domestic violence matters often move quickly, and the decisions you make early can have lasting consequences. We provide clear, practical advice from the outset so you understand your position and your options.
We assist by:
- Explaining your rights and obligations in straightforward terms
- Reviewing applications and identifying risks or weaknesses
- Preparing and filing protection order applications
- Drafting affidavits and organising supporting evidence
- Advising on whether to consent to or contest an order
- Representing you at court appearances and final hearings
- Assisting with variations or appeals where required
Our focus is on careful preparation and measured advice. You will know what to expect, what the potential outcomes are and how to approach your matter to reach the best outcome.
Applying for or responding to a protection order
Domestic violence orders are civil matters, but the consequences can feel very personal. We help clients at every stage of the process — from first contact with police or the court, right through to contested hearings.
We’ll review the application, talk through your side of the story, and help you decide whether to oppose it or agree to it on a “without admissions” basis. We’ll explain how legal representation can assist, how to avoid breaching the order, and what to expect at each court appearance.
We’ll prepare the paperwork, file it with the court, and represent you at the mention. If needed, we can also brief a barrister and help prepare evidence for a final hearing.
The process moves quickly, and getting early advice often makes things simpler down the line. We’ll make sure you understand your rights, your responsibilities, and how to protect yourself through the process — whether you’re defending or applying.
How a DVO can affect you
A domestic violence order isn’t just a piece of paper — it can affect your daily life, your relationships, and your future, which is why it's so important to seek legal advice as early as possible.
If you're the respondent, a DVO might stop you from contacting someone, returning home, or even seeing your children. It can also show up on police checks, which may impact employment or travel. Breaching a DVO — even accidentally — is a criminal offence and can lead to serious penalties.
That’s why it’s important to understand exactly what the order means, and how to deal with it properly. We’ll explain the conditions in plain terms and help you avoid making things worse.
Come visit us at one of our two locations
We have offices in Brisbane City, Cleveland and Cairns, so you can drop in wherever’s easiest.
Why choose Pascoe Law for your domestic violence matters?
Local court experience
We appear regularly in Brisbane Magistrates Courts and understand how domestic violence charges are handled at a local level. That practical insight allows us to prepare your matter properly, anticipate issues early and represent you to the best of our ability on the day.
Urgency and fact action when you need it most
Protection order applications and domestic violence charges move quickly. Court dates can be set with little notice, and temporary orders can take effect immediately. We act promptly, provide clear advice straight away and help you respond without delay.
Expertise across domestic and family violence matters
Domestic or family violence often overlaps with various aspects of family law matters, including parenting arrangements and contact with children. We look at the full picture, not just the immediate application, so your legal strategy supports your broader circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
Once an application is lodged, the respondent will be formally served with the documents setting out the allegations and the first court date. If you’re the applicant, the court may consider making a temporary order straight away if protection is needed in urgent situations or at the first mention.
If you’re the respondent, it’s important to read the application carefully and prepare before the first appearance. The court will consider whether to make a temporary order against you at the first mention - this is why it is important to seek legal advice as soon as you are served documents.
In most cases, yes. Both the applicant and the respondent are expected to attend court on the listed date unless legally represented. If the respondent does not attend, the court can make orders in their absence. If the applicant does not attend, the application may be dismissed.
The first appearance is known as a mention. The Magistrate will clarify what orders are being sought and how each party wishes to proceed. The respondent may agree to the order, request time for advice, or oppose it. If opposed, the matter may progress through domestic violence proceedings to a final hearing where evidence is presented by both sides. If adjourned, the Magistrate can make a temporary order against the respondent with requested conditions.
Yes. If either the applicant or respondent needs time to obtain advice or gather evidence, they can request an adjournment. The court may put a temporary order in place while the matter is postponed to the next date.
The court considers a broad range of conduct, including threats, intimidation, coercive control and allegations of physical or sexual abuse. The key question for the Magistrate is whether domestic violence has occurred and whether an order is necessary and desirable to protect someone from further harm.
A DVO is a civil order, but breaching it is a criminal offence. This applies to respondents. Even contact that seems minor or indirect can result in police charges. Penalties may include fines or imprisonment, particularly for repeated breaches.
Yes. Under the National Domestic Violence Order Scheme, a domestic violence protection order made in one Australian state or territory is automatically recognised and enforceable across the entire country. You do not need to apply separately in each state.
Orders issued in New Zealand can also be registered in Australia. Once registered, they are recognised and enforced in the same way as an Australian interstate order.
A police protection notice (PPN) is issued by police on the spot when they believe someone needs immediate protection. It’s a short-term measure designed to address urgent safety concerns and usually includes conditions such as no contact or leaving the home. A court date will follow.
A domestic violence order (DVO) is made by a court and can operate on a temporary or final basis, with final orders typically lasting five years. It provides longer-term legal protection and carries ongoing conditions that must be followed.
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