Domestic violence

You’re our first priority

We provide pragmatic and non-judgmental advice and representation in all areas of domestic violence law.

We act for all parties in both privately made and police applications, and where there may be interrelated family or criminal law proceedings.

We appreciate the stress experienced by clients who are involved in domestic violence proceedings.

Where possible, we resolve domestic violence proceedings with non-adversarial processes to avoid the stress and costs of a trial.

We’ll work with a range of service providers to ensure your domestic violence matter is handled sensitively and appropriately.  

You’re in expert hands

Domestic violence law is constantly evolving. Our lawyers stay at the forefront of its complexity.

Due to our proven advocacy and trial experience, we often receive referrals from family and other lawyers to manage associated domestic violence proceedings.

Rebecca Fogerty has a strong interest in this area of law. She regularly presents to the legal profession and early career lawyers about evolving issues in domestic violence law.

Our experience is your advantage

Our experience with domestic violence cases includes:

• successful trial advocacy for both respondents and aggrieved parties to an application
• acting on behalf of a family member to vary a Domestic Violence Order, enabling them to resume contact with their child
• assisting clients to amicably resolve domestic violence proceedings via mediation or negotiated agreements
• reviewing and preparing applications and drafting affidavits, draft orders and non-binding undertakings
• liaising with the police and prosecution where there are allegations of a criminal offence
• appearing on behalf of respondents who have breached a Domestic Violence Order.

Coercive control

Since the publication of the 2015 Not Now, Not Ever report on domestic violence in Queensland, there has been greater focus on non-violent types of domestic violence, including:

• harassment
• emotional abuse
• verbal abuse and name-calling
• control tactics. 

Domestic violence matters with no alleged physical violence are becoming increasingly common.

Coercive control refers to a pattern of behaviour or a series of acts that seek to control the victim by harming, intimidating, isolating or punishing them.

These acts include:

• isolating the victim from supportive friends and family
• controlling their finances and social behaviours
• regulating their daily lives.

Actions considered ‘controlling’ in one relationship may not be problematic in another, so social, cultural and other contextual factors are vital to establish whether or not coercive control has occurred.

Our practice is informed by the latest social, psychological and criminological research, and our lawyers contribute to wider community discourse about domestic violence law reform and social policy.

Find support

If you need support, we recommend:

• DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811 (24/7)
• DVConnect Mensline: 1800 600 636 (9am to midnight, 7 days a week)
• Sexual Assault Helpline: 1800 010 120 (7.30am–11.30pm, 7 days a week)
• Elder Abuse Helpline: 1300 651 192 (9am–5pm, Monday to Friday)
• 1800 RESPECT national helpline: 1800 737 732
• Lifeline (24-hour crisis line): 131 114
• Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277

If you're in immediate danger, call the police on 000.