Domestic violence court support. We can help you

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Where are we?

You can find us at Level 6, Brisbane Magistrates Court, 363 George Street, Brisbane

• You can access the court by bus, train (500m walk) or by car (paid parking).
• You may have to spend a number of hours at court, so please arrange transport and childcare.
• There are lifts within and ramps up to the courthouse.
• We can arrange an interpreter if needed.
• We welcome LGBTIQAP+ and non-binary people

Domestic Violence Court Assistance Service

If you are appearing in court to protect yourself from domestic and family violence, you do not have to do it alone.

The Domestic Violence Court Assistance Service is free and confidential for all people attending the Brisbane Magistrates Court when applying for or changing a domestic violence protection order (DVPO).

We can:

• help you access the court’s safety facilities

• explain what a DVPO is, its conditions and what to do if an order is breached

• explain your options

• explain the court process

• give you support and information in court and throughout the court process

• help you with safety planning

• give emotional support if you are stressed or anxious about attending court

• refer you to other legal and community services

• give you information, help and/or referrals about a DVPO application

•  give you information and help with completing a legal aid application form.

This service operates Monday to Thursday on Level 6, Brisbane Magistrates Court.

Application Assistance Program

If you are experiencing domestic and family violence, you may apply for a DVPO.

The Application Assistance Program helps people experiencing domestic and family violence apply for or change a DVPO at the Brisbane Magistrates Court.

We can:

• give you information and help to prepare an application for a DVPO or make changes (variations) to an existing DVPO

• give you information about court processes, including filing your DVPO application at the Brisbane Magistrates Court

• give you support in court

• help you with safety planning

• refer you to other legal and community services.

This service operates Fridays from 9am to 1pm on Level 6, Brisbane Magistrates Court, and at other times by appointment.

Drop in or call (07) 3917 0590 to book an appointment.

What is domestic and family violence?

Domestic and family violence includes when another person you are in an intimate personal, family or carer relationship with:

• is physically or sexually abusive to you

• is emotionally or psychologically abusive to you

• threatens you

• forces you to do things you do not want to do

• controls or dominates you in any way and causes you to fear for your safety or wellbeing or that of someone else.

Regardless of age, culture, sexuality or gender identity, you have the right to live without fear.

You do not have to have been physically injured to have experienced domestic violence.

Useful Legal Aid Queensland contacts

• Legal Information Line 1300 65 11 88
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Information Line 1300 65 01 43
• Domestic Violence Court Assistance Service 3917 0590

If you are in danger and need urgent help, call the police on 000.

For information about accommodation in a refuge, call DV Connect on 1800 811 811.

Going to court

Planning for court

• If you are fearful of seeing your abuser when you come to court, contact the Brisbane registry to discuss a court safety plan or fill in a Domestic and family violence safety form (available from the court registry or Queensland Courts website).

• To help us support you, bring to court your completed domestic violence application form and any orders made.

• If you do not have a copy of your paperwork, contact the Brisbane Magistrates Court registry or the relevant police station for a copy.

• Arrange care for your children as childcare is not available at court and children cannot go into the courtroom with you.

Going to court

• Arrive at court 15 to 30 minutes early.

• Bring copies of any original DVPO applications.

• Bring any final or temporary protection orders in place and paperwork relating to any changes to the DVPO.

• If you don’t have a lawyer, a duty lawyer may be able to help you. They can give you free legal advice about your court appearance.

• If you would like extra support, a Legal Aid Queensland domestic and family violence practitioner may be able to help you.

Using the Application Assistance Program

Before arriving, consider:

• the conditions you want in your order

• if you want to apply for a temporary protection order

• specific concerns or examples you want to include in your application

• writing out a rough timeline of recent incidents or behaviours that have caused you to be fearful or concerned for your safety.

Last updated 12 August 2024