Specialist Domestic and Family Violence Court

Specialist domestic and family violence (DFV) courts acknowledges that the court process is a touchpoint for service delivery. The specialist DFV court justice response aims to:

• provide a coordinated, respectful, and fair justice response to DFV
• enhance safety and wellbeing and provide a better court experience for victim-survivors including children
• support increased accountability for persons using violence, compliance with court orders and demonstrated behavioural change.

A key part of the specialist Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) court is collaboration between Queensland Courts, Queensland Police Service, Legal Aid Queensland, Queensland Corrective Services, and other government and non-government services. These services provide critical support to people involved in DFV cases.

Features of a specialist DFV court

Key features of the specialist DFV court justice response include:

• dedicated magistrates
• a DFV court coordinator to oversee the specialist DFV court approach, improve processes, and work with stakeholders
• a specialist DFV court registry with staff trained to offer support and information
• dedicated police prosecutors
• specialist DFV duty lawyers to give advice and represent clients
• specialist DFV court support services
• dedicated Queensland Corrective Services officers (where coordination of criminal and civil matters is in place)
• cross-agency governance groups (Operational Working Groups)
• safety-focused infrastructure and security features, including security officers
• on-site triage and reception connecting clients to specialist services

The specialist DFV court is working to coordinate civil and criminal cases in each location. In places where this happens, the dedicated magistrate handles both types of DFV cases during the same callover.

Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander court users

A key focus of the specialist DFV court is the experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander court users. The aim is to ensure the court reflects cultural appropriateness and responsiveness.

Community Justice Groups (CJGs) in Beenleigh, Brisbane, Cairns, Mount Isa, Palm Island and Townsville are funded to support the operation of the specialist DFV courts in those locations.

CJGs may help with:

• assistance with transport to and from court
• linking people to programs
• helping to ensure people understand court processes and any orders that are made.

Reviews and evaluations

Multiple evaluations have been conducted on the specialist DFV court model. These reports highlight the court’s success and inform improvements to DFV court services.

• Interim evaluation of the trial specialist domestic and family violence court in Southport May 2016 (PDF, 1.1 MB)
• Final evaluation of the trial specialist domestic and family violence court in Southport February 2017 (PDF, 5.1 MB)
• Southport Specialist Domestic and Family Violence Court: Process and Outcomes Evaluation 2017-2021 (PDF, 2.6 MB)

Where to find specialist DFV courts

Specialist DFV courts operate in:

• Beenleigh
• Brisbane
• Cairns
• Mount Isa
• Southport
• Townsville (including Palm Island as a circuit court).

Find the contact information for these Magistrates Courts.

Forms

• Form DV01 - Application for a protection order (online via the Queensland Government website)
• Form DV01 - Application for a protection order (PDF, 272.9 KB)
• Form DV01A - Guide to completing an application for a protection order (PDF, 487.1 KB)

View more forms

More information

• domestic violence orders and getting support
• domestic and family violence statistics
• judicial education
• learn about how courts are becoming safer for people who experience DFV (PDF, 3.6 MB).
• find out how to go to court as an applicant once a DVO has been filed.
• view videos on the DFV Court process.
• learn how to get protection from the court when you apply for a Domestic Violence Order.
• understand the rules and procedures of the courtroom.