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Elysian Insights

Please find below a series of articles created by Elysian Law. These articles discuss the latest news, changes to the law, current issues, key cases and frequently asked questions regarding domestic and family violence, related criminal offences, employment and family law.

These articles are only a brief summary about specific issues, and you should always seek further legal advice.

If there is a particular issue or topic you wish Laura or Nichale to answer, please send an email to reception@elysianlaw.com.au and we will see what we can do.

Elysian Law Insights

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Article: One
Domestic Violence as an Aggravating Factor in Queensland Sentencing | Elysian Law

Domestic Violence as an Aggravating Factor in Queensland Sentencing | Elysian Law Domestic and family violence remains one of Queensland’s most urgent social issues, and the justice system continues to evolve in response. One of the most significant sentencing reforms in recent years is the legislative requirement for courts to treat domestic violence offending as...

Elysian Law Insights

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Article: Two
Can You Change Lawyers During a Case in Queensland?

If you’re unhappy with your legal representation, you might be wondering: can I change lawyers during a case? The short answer is yes. You can change lawyers at almost any stage of your matter. However, timing, costs, and strategy all matter when questioning representation. This guide explains everything you need to know about changing...

Elysian Law Insights

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Article: Three
Do I Need A Divorce Lawyer?

Do I Need a Divorce Lawyer? Answer 12 simple questions below to understand your situation and find out what level of legal support you may need. How to use this guide: Answer each question honestly. After each answer you’ll receive guidance tailored to your situation. At the end you’ll receive a personalised summary to help...

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Article: Four
Consent Without Admissions in a Protection Order: Risks, Alternatives, and Legal Options in Queensland

When facing a domestic violence application in Queensland, many respondents are told the simplest path is to consent without admissions to a protection order. Most people don’t fully understand what this means – or what follows. What Does “Consent Without Admissions” Mean? In domestic violence protection order proceedings, consenting without admissions means agreeing to the Court...

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Article: Five
Domestic Violence in LGBTQ+ Relationships: Legal Rights & DVO Protection in QLD

Domestic violence can occur in any relationship, including LGBTQIA+ relationships. In Queensland, the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 protects people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. This guide explains the signs of domestic violence in LGBTQIA+ relationships, how coercive control may appear, and what legal protections such as Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs)...

Elysian Law Insights

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Article: Six
How to Get a Lawyer From Jail in Queensland | Bail, Legal Aid & Private Lawyers

This guide explains how to get a lawyer from jail in Queensland, including contacting legal aid, hiring private lawyers and preparing for bail. Being taken into custody can be overwhelming and confusing. Whether you have just been arrested or someone you care about has been remanded in custody, one of the most important steps is...

Elysian Law Insights

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Article: Seven
What is Coercive Control?

Coercive control is a form of domestic and family violence that involves a person using patterns of behaviour such as manipulation, isolation, and domination of another to severely restrict their freedom. In Queensland, coercive control is increasingly recognised as a serious form of domestic and family violence that can lead to mental and physical harm...

Elysian Law Insights

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Article: Eight
AusAlert Test 27 July 2026: Safety Advice for Domestic Violence Victim-Survivors in Queensland

Australia’s new emergency warning system will run a national AusAlert test on Monday 27 July 2026. In Queensland, the test is scheduled for 2:00pm. There will be early testing in June 2026 in Port Douglas. This article explains: 1. What the AusAlert test does;2. Why it may increase risk in domestic violence situations;3. How to...

Elysian Law Insights

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Article: Nine
What Services Does Elysian Law Offer? | DV & Family Lawyers QLD

Who Is Elysian Law? Elysian Law is a specialist domestic violence and family law firm in Queensland, serving clients across Brisbane and surrounding areas. Unlike many general practice firms, Elysian Law focuses exclusively on domestic and family violence law, ensuring clients receive tailored advice and representation from lawyers with over 30 years of combined practising...

Elysian Law Insights

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Article: Ten
What is a Police Protection Direction?

Police can issue a Police Protection Direction (‘PPD’) to help protect a person experiencing violence from another person perpetrating violence. A PPD is an official document police can issue in response to a domestic violence incident. It has an immediate effect and will be in place for 12 months. It will have conditions that the...

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Article: Eleven
False Allegations of Domestic Violence | How Serious Is It?

Being accused of domestic violence is a serious allegation a person can face. The implications can be both immediate and long term. A Protection Order can limit a person’s freedom, restrict access to children and assets, strain relationships with family members, reduce employment, reputation, mental health and finances due to legal costs. In Queensland and...

Elysian Law Insights

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Article: Twelve
What Evidence Is Needed in Domestic Violence Cases in QLD? Legal Guide

Evidence in Domestic Violence Cases in Queensland Courts Domestic and family violence allegations are heard in the Queensland Magistrates Court (‘Domestic Violence Applications’) as well as the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (‘FCFCOA’). In both jurisdictions for a Court to consider allegations of domestic and family violence it is incumbent on the parties...

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Article: Thirteen
False Allegations of Domestic Violence in QLD | Legal Defence Guide

False allegations of domestic violence are a serious and distressing issue for many people in Queensland and particularly Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. While domestic and family violence is a critical issue that must be addressed and prevented, there are some cases where allegations are exaggerated, misleading, or entirely false. In Queensland, even an unproven...

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Article: Fourteen
Daniel’s Law in Queensland: A New Era for Child Safety

Daniel’s Law represents one of Queensland’s most significant reforms in child protection, creating Queensland’s first public child sex offender register. Introduced in 2025, the law is designed to empower parents and communities with access to critical information about certain convicted child sex offenders, while balancing privacy, safety, and responsible use of sensitive data. The legislation...

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Article: Fifteen
Domestic Violence Allegation Process Queensland

What Happens After a Domestic Violence Allegation Is Made in Queensland? When a domestic violence allegation is made in Queensland, the legal process can move quickly and often feels overwhelming for both the aggrieved and the respondent. Understanding what happens next is critical, particularly because immediate police action and court orders can significantly affect family...

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Article: Sixteen
4 Common Defences Against Domestic Violence Orders (Queensland)

Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs)(Final Protection Orders) can have serious and long-lasting consequences that can impact a person’s freedom, employment, child-custody arrangements, weapons licence and future interactions with police. If you have been served with an Application for a Protection Order in Queensland, it is crucial to understand that you do have the right to defend...

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Article: Seventeen
International Day For The Elimination Of Violence Against Women

What is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women? On 25th November, it is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This day is a global reminder that violence against females is one of the most widespread, persistent, and devastating human rights violations worldwide. It’s a call to governments, organisations,...

Elysian Law Insights

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Article: Eighteen
What Time of The Year Is Domestic Violence Most Common?

Domestic and family violence can occur at any time of year, but research and frontline services in Queensland consistently report an increase in incidents during the holiday season particularly around Christmas and New Year. This time of year, while meant to bring joy and connection, can also heighten emotional stress and tension in households, leading...

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Article: Nineteen
2025 Christmas Parenting Application Deadline

FCFCOA Christmas Deadline The deadline to file parenting applications for Christmas in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) is 4pm on Friday, 14 November 2025. Applications filed after this date may not be heard before Christmas unless deemed urgent. Navigating the Christmas Filing Deadline in the FCFCOA As the festive season approaches, separated families...

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Article: Twenty
Undertakings Vs Domestic Violence Protection Orders

Undertakings and Protection Orders in Queensland: What You Need to Know Domestic and family violence is a serious issue, and the law in Queensland provides several pathways to protect people who are at risk. One option that sometimes arises is accepting an undertaking from a respondent in a domestic violence application. But what does that mean...

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Article: Twenty-one
Queensland’s New Sexual Violence Peak Body: A Critical Step and What It Means for Domestic Violence

Introduction: Queensland’s Next Step in Addressing Sexual Violence Queensland has recently taken a landmark step in its response to sexual violence, announcing the establishment of a Sexual Violence Peak Body, with operations expected to begin in early 2026. This move, along with the fast-tracking of a similar Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Peak Body, has...

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Article: Twenty-two
Contesting a DVO | Protecting Your Career, Profession and Rights

What a DVO Means for Respondents Domestic violence allegations are inherently sensitive, carrying profound emotional, legal, and social implications. When such allegations involve professionals, or front-line workers such as police officers, the complexity deepens. These situations demand careful handling to ensure fairness, transparency, and support for all parties involved. Facing domestic violence allegations as a...

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Article: Twenty-three
Your Legal Rights as a Migrant in Australia: Domestic Violence & Family Law Explained

For many migrants in Australia, the legal system can feel intimidating and confusing, especially when English isn’t your first language. Understanding your rights are critical because cultural and language barriers should never stop youfrom accessing safety and justice. The police, the Courts and lawyers have a duty to help you and be respectful, regardless of...

Elysian Law Insights

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Article: Twenty-four
Queensland’s new laws (Hannah's Law) to combat domestic and family violence: Know your rights

As of 26 May 2025, Queensland enacted significant legal reforms under the Criminal Law (Coercive Control and Affirmative Consent) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (‘The Amendment Act’). These changes, aim to increase protections against domestic and sexual violence, aligning Queensland with national efforts to combat coercive control and promote affirmative consent. This amendment is...

Elysian Law Insights

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Article: Twenty-five
Domestic Violence & Divorce: What to Know When a DVO Is Involved

What Is A DVO, And How Does It Relate To Divorce? It is important to know that divorce proceedings are separate to property settlement and parenting orders. A divorce order is the judicial determination of the formal ending of a marriage. In Australia, a person in a marriage can apply to the Court for a...

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Article: Twenty-six
Case Insight: Elysian Law Secures Dismissal of a Protection Order Application

Contesting a DVO Application A Case Insight: Elysian Law Secures Dismissal of a Protection Order Application Where There Is No Relevant Relationship Between Parties At Elysian Law, we pride ourselves on achieving the right outcomes for our clients. One recent case demonstrates our team’s skill in navigating the nuanced legal framework surrounding domestic violence orders...

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Article: Twenty-seven
Cross Applications in Queensland’s Domestic and Family Violence Legislation

What is a cross application DVO? In Queensland, a cross-application for a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) occurs when two individuals in a relevant relationship (such as intimate, family, or informal care relationships) each seek a protection order against the other. This often arises in cases of conflicting allegations of domestic violence or when both parties...

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Article: Twenty-eight
Case Insight: Police Application for a Protection Order Withdrawn

Can A Police Protection Application be Cancelled? A Case Insight: Police Application for a Protection Order Withdrawn (Mental Health Issues of People who have served in the Forces) At Elysian Law, we are committed to ensuring that every client’s story is heard with dignity, and that justice is pursued with compassion and clarity. Recently, we...

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Article: Twenty-nine
Understanding Economic Abuse Under Queensland Law

Economic abuse is increasingly recognised in Australian legislation as a powerful and insidious form of domestic and family violence. Under Queensland’s Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (‘DFVP Act’), economic abuse is defined and treated seriously by the courts. Whether you’re seeking protection, legal clarity, or recovery after abuse, understanding this issue is the...

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Article: Thirty
The Family Law Amendment Act 2024 brings Significant Reforms to Financial matters in Family Law Proceedings

Author: Laura Summerville, Legal Practice Director The Family Law Amendment Act 2024 (“the Act”) passed on 10 December 2024 and with it introduced significant reforms to financial matters in family law proceedings. The reforms come into effect on the 10 June 2025 and will reflect a broader effort to enhance fairness and protect vulnerable parties...

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Article: Thirty-one
Queensland’s Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act Amendments

Author – Laura Summerville, Legal Practice Director The Queensland Government has introduced a Bill to make landmark reforms to the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (‘The Act’). The Bill aims to provide stronger protections for victim-survivors and hold perpetrators accountable. From 30 April 2025, the following changes have been implemented: 1. Police Protection...

Elysian Law Insights

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Article: Thirty-two
DFV Law Update: First Person Sentenced Under Queensland’s Domestic Violence Reforms

As of 26 May 2025, Queensland enacted significant legal reforms under the Criminal Law (Coercive Control and Affirmative Consent) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (‘The Amendment Act’). These changes, aim to increase protections against domestic and sexual violence, aligning Queensland with national efforts to combat coercive control and promote affirmative consent. This amendment is...

Elysian Law Insights

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Article: Thirty-three
Married at First Sight – Our Perception Of Relationships

Author – Laura Summerville If you are like us, (and the two million viewers) tuning into Married At First Site (MAFS) every night, you’ll appreciate the drama and the roller coaster of emotions these couples go through to find ‘true love’. As lawyers specialising in relationship law, watching each episode of MAFS, we are noticing...

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Article: Thirty-four
Application for Domestic Violence Orders on Behalf of Someone Else

Applying for Domestic Violence Orders (‘DVO’) on behalf of someone else plays a role in safeguarding individuals at risk of abuse. In Queensland, the law allows third parties to apply for a DVO on behalf of someone else who may be unable to act for themselves. This process can provide protection for vulnerable individuals, including...

Elysian Law Insights

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Article: Thirty-five
What is Coercive Control and Affirmative Consent?

What is the Criminal Law (Coercive Control and Affirmative Consent) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024? On 18th March 2024, the Criminal Law (Coercive Control and Affirmative Consent) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 [Act No. 5 of 2024] (‘The Act’) was assented to. In summary, the Act will amend legislation across Queensland in three...

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Article: Thirty-six
Contesting a DVO

At Elysian Law, we understand that Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs) play an important role in ensuring the safety of individuals in domestic and family situations. However, there are times when a DVO may be issued under circumstances that do not fully reflect the reality of the situation. If you believe a DVO has been unfairly...

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Article: Thirty-seven
What Offences Can Be Domestic Violence Related?

Domestic and family violence is a serious and complex issue that affects many individuals and families across Australia. When facing domestic violence charges, understanding the types of charges, their consequences, and related legal processes can be overwhelming. At Elysian Law, we specialise in domestic and family violence cases, providing compassionate and experienced legal support to...

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Article: Thirty-eight
Divorce Application

Going through a divorce can be emotionally challenging. At Elysian Law, we understand the stress involved and are committed to guiding you through the process with clear and compassionate legal advice. Our team of experienced divorce lawyers ensures your rights are fully protected while addressing your unique personal needs.

Elysian Law Insights

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Article: Thirty-nine
Parenting Orders

Parenting orders are legally binding agreements issued by the Federal Circuit and Family Court that determine arrangements for the care of children. At Elysian Law, we focus on helping families create secure, fair, and workable arrangements, ensuring the child’s best interests are prioritised. Our experienced team supports clients through this complex process with compassion, especially...

Elysian Law Insights

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Article: Forty
Why do you need an expert Domestic and Family Violence Lawyer to assist with your domestic violence application, criminal charges or family law matter?

Domestic and Family Violence in Queensland operate under the Domestic and Family Violence Act 2012 (‘Act’). The legislation and proceedings interact in both the criminal space and civil space (for example family law). There are a number of reasons why you should engage a lawyer who specialises in Domestic and Family Violence and Family Law...

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Article: Forty-one
Is It Illegal To Record Someone Without Consent?

Sometimes a person will record conversations with another person to show they have committed acts of domestic and family violence . Wondering whether is it illegal to record someone without consent? For example a former partner may covertly record conversations during changeover of children or phone calls to show verbal abuse or inappropriate language regarding...

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Article: Forty-two
What is a Contravention of a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVO Breach)?

The offence of contravention of a domestic violence order or sometimes referred to as a “DVO breach” refers to contravening court ordered conditions in a Domestic Violence Order (‘DVO’). DVOs are made by a court to protect individuals from domestic and family violence. When a condition or the order is not complied with, it is...

Elysian Law Insights

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Article: Forty-three
What Is A Subpoena?

A subpoena is a legal document that orders a person to appear in court, recount their version of events, or produce evidence relevant to a case. Subpoenas are commonly used in both criminal and civil cases to ensure that essential information is available to the court. In domestic and family violence proceedings, this is often...

Elysian Law Insights

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Article: Forty-four
Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 - How the Court Determine Protection Orders.

At Elysian Law, we understand the Court process in relation to the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 which can be overwhelming and daunting, it is important to have trusted legal representation to guide you through the process and explain the court procedure and your matter as thoroughly as possible. At Elysian Law it...

Elysian Law Insights

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Article: Forty-five
What is Domestic and Family Violence?

Domestic and family violence involves a range of behaviours used by one person to exert power and control over another with whom they have, or have had a close relationship. In Queensland, domestic and family violence is recognised not only as physical abuse but also includes emotional, financial, isolation, and sexual abuse. It can also...

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Article: Forty-six
How Does A Protection Order Affect My Employment?

Elysian Law is an expert Domestic and Family Violence Firm with experience in a broad range of law in Queensland. At Elysian Law, we provide holistic and full-scale legal support to people facing Domestic and Family Violence. Being a party to a Domestic and Family Violence proceeding can have implications in other areas of someone’s...

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Article: Forty-seven
How Do I Apply for a Protection Order?

Obtaining a protection order is a critical step in protecting yourself from domestic and family violence. In Queensland, the process is designed to be accessible and supportive, ensuring that individuals can obtain the protection they need without difficulty. The court process is set up to be less formal and overwhelming to encourage people to come...

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