New Domestic Violence Laws in Queensland: What the 2025 Reforms Mean for Victims
- RHC Solicitors
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
In August 2025, the Queensland Government introduced significant reforms to domestic and family violence laws, aimed at strengthening protections for victim-survivors and enabling faster, more decisive intervention by police and the courts.
With Queensland Police responding to a domestic violence incident every three minutes, these reforms represent an important shift in how urgently and effectively the system responds to risk.
In This Article:
Immediate Protection Without Going To Court
One of the most important changes is the introduction of Police Protection Directions.
Under the new laws, police can issue immediate, on-the-spot protection without the victim having to first apply to the court for a Domestic Violence Order (DVO). These directions can remain in place for up to 12 months.
Previously, many victim-survivors were required to navigate the court system during an already distressing and unsafe period. Police Protection Directions are designed to remove delay, reduce risk, and provide immediate safety.
A Police Protection Direction can include conditions such as:
No contact with the aggrieved or named persons
An order for the respondent to leave the home (ouster conditions)
Temporary “cool-down” conditions
Directions allowing the aggrieved to safely return to their residence
Importantly, breaching a Police Protection Direction is a criminal offence, carrying a maximum penalty of up to three years imprisonment.
When Will Police Issue A Protection Direction?
Police Protection Directions are not intended to replace court-ordered DVOs or formal investigations. Instead, they are used where police believe immediate protection is necessary to prevent harm.
Police will continue to assess each situation based on:
The level of risk
Any prior history of violence or breaches
The circumstances of the parties involved
To ensure fairness and prevent misuse, the legislation includes safeguards. For example, any Direction issued against a female respondent is subject to automatic review, helping to minimise the risk of misidentification and unintended consequences.
GPS Tracking For High-Risk Offenders
The reforms also give courts new powers to impose GPS tracking devices on high-risk domestic violence offenders, particularly those with a history of breaching orders.
These devices allow authorities to monitor offenders in real time and alert police if exclusion zones or proximity conditions are breached. In some cases, victim-survivors may also receive alert devices, giving early warning if an offender comes too close.
Reducing Trauma In The Court Process
Another key reform is the statewide introduction of video-recorded evidence-in-chief (VRE).
This allows a victim’s initial account of domestic violence, often recorded by police at the time of the incident, to be used as their primary evidence in court. The aim is to reduce the need for victims to repeatedly retell traumatic experiences throughout the legal process.
By limiting repeated interviews and cross-examination, this reform helps minimise re-traumatisation while still preserving procedural fairness.
Why These Reforms Matter
Domestic and family violence in Queensland has increased dramatically over the past decade, with reported incidents rising by more than 200%, and breaches of protection orders nearly doubling in the last five years.
These reforms are designed to:
Provide faster access to protection
Reduce the trauma of navigating the court system
Lower the risk of escalation
Empower victim-survivors to make safer choices
Support police to act decisively
Hold perpetrators accountable in real time
For many people, these changes are not just legal reform; they represent a system that responds with greater urgency, clarity, and compassion.
Need Advice About Domestic Violence Laws In Queensland?
At RHC Solicitors, we understand that family violence matters are complex, highly personal, and often urgent. Whether you need immediate protection, advice about Domestic Violence Orders, or support navigating family law issues alongside safety concerns, our passionate family lawyers are here to help.
We provide clear, compassionate advice across all areas of family law, including:
Domestic and family violence matters
Parenting arrangements
Child support
Wills and estate planning
And with a free 30-minute initial consultation, we take the time to listen, understand your situation, and guide you toward the safest and most practical path forward. Book an appointment today to get started.
Disclaimer: This publication is not intended to be comprehensive, nor does it constitute legal advice. We are unable to ensure the information is current and there is no guarantee in relation to accuracy. You should seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content of this publication. The views and/or opinions expressed in this publication is that of the author and may not necessarily represent the views and/or opinions of RHC Solicitors.
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