A protection order

If you are in danger right now, call 000. For support at any hour, call DVConnect on 1800 811 811. Lifeline is on 13 11 14. This guide is general information for both people involved in an order.

What this usually means

A protection order, also called a domestic violence order, is made under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld). It aims to stop one person from hurting, threatening or frightening another. The person who needs protection is the aggrieved. The person the order is against is the respondent.

There are a few forms of protection.

• Police protection notice. Police can issue one on the spot. It works like an order until a court looks at the matter.
• Police protection direction. Police have been able to issue these since 1 January 2026. It starts straight away, does not involve a court, and lasts 12 months from when the respondent is told. Police must consider the aggrieved person's wishes, including whether they would prefer a longer court order.
• Temporary protection order. A court can make this while an application is waiting to be heard.
• Final protection order. A court makes this after a hearing or when the respondent agrees. It normally lasts 5 years.

Coercive control is a pattern of behaviour used to hurt, humiliate, isolate, frighten or control someone. Since 26 May 2025 it is a crime in Queensland. It applies to an adult in a domestic relationship who repeatedly uses abusive behaviour, intending to control the other person, in a way likely to cause harm. The maximum penalty is 14 years in prison. It applies to behaviour from 26 May 2025.

What you can do now

If you need protection:

1. Get safe first. Call 000 in danger. Call DVConnect for advice and a safe plan.
2. Report to police if you are able. Police can issue a notice or direction, or apply for a court order for you.
3. Write down what has happened, with dates, and keep any messages. Do this only if it is safe.
4. Ask for free legal help, such as Women's Legal Service Queensland, Legal Aid Queensland, or ATSILS.
5. If an order is breached, call police on 000. A breach is a crime.

If you are the person named:

1. Read the paperwork and note the court date. Follow every condition, even if you disagree. Do not contact the other person unless the order allows it.
2. Get legal advice before the first court date. Free services are listed below.
3. Know your options. You can agree to the order without admitting the claims, ask for more time, or tell the court you disagree and ask for a hearing.
4. Check how it may affect you, such as weapons or security licences.

Time limits

• A police protection direction lasts 12 months.
• A final protection order normally lasts 5 years.
• A temporary order can apply until the next court date or until the application is heard.
• There may be a time limit to appeal an order, and it may be short. Ask a lawyer straight away if you want to challenge one.

If it goes further

Applications are heard in the Magistrates Court. At the first court date the person named can agree, ask for more time, or contest. If contested, there is a hearing where both sides can give evidence and call witnesses. You do not have to go to court as the person named, but an order can be made without you.

Breaking an order can lead to up to 3 years in jail for a first breach, and up to 5 years for a second breach within 5 years.

If you are worried about the children

A protection order can include the children as named people. Orders and family law cases can overlap, and a protection order can affect parenting arrangements. A lawyer can explain how the two fit together. See our guide on arrangements for the children.

If you are not sure it is abuse

Many people do not recognise coercive control while it is happening. It can include threats, checking your phone, controlling money, isolating you from family and friends, or making you afraid to leave. If something does not feel right, DVConnect can talk it through with you, at any hour, without you needing to decide anything.

Questions to ask whoever helps you

• Which kind of protection is best for my situation: a police direction or a court order?
• What conditions should I ask for (or, if I am named, what do they mean for me)?
• How does this affect where I live or the children?
• What happens if the other person breaks the order?
• Can I get free legal help at the first court date?