Domestic violence charges in Brisbane carry severe consequences that extend far beyond the criminal penalties. A domestic violence finding can result in imprisonment, the imposition of a domestic violence order (DVO), loss of firearms licences, damage to family law proceedings, and serious harm to your career — particularly if you work in law enforcement, the military, government, or any role requiring a security clearance.
At Hannay Criminal Defence, our Brisbane criminal lawyers have extensive experience defending clients charged with domestic violence offences and contesting domestic violence order applications. We handle these matters with the discretion, empathy, and rigour they demand. We don’t miss a trick.
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Domestic violence in Queensland is governed by the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld) and the relevant offence provisions of the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld). Since 2024, Queensland has also introduced the offence of coercive control under the Criminal Law (Coercive Control and Affirmative Consent) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024, making Queensland one of the first Australian states to criminalise patterns of controlling and coercive behaviour in intimate relationships.
Domestic violence is broadly defined under the Act and includes physical abuse, emotional abuse, economic abuse, threatening behaviour, and coercive behaviour within a “relevant relationship” — which includes intimate partners, family members, and informal care relationships.
When a criminal offence is committed in a domestic context, it is classified as a domestic violence offence. This classification applies to offences including assault, threatening behaviour, property damage, stalking, and breaching a domestic violence order.
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