Domestic violence in Brisbane is a stark reality that affects many individuals, families and communities.
Behind closed doors, a wife could be suffering silently from abuse by her husband for several years. Or, a child finds their self-confidence shattered from constantly being verbally attacked by a family member. These are some examples of domestic violence cases that, if left untreated and unresolved, could leave lasting scars on the victims.
The key to protecting yourself and your loved ones from becoming victims of domestic violence is to understand what it is. In this blog, we will take a closer look at what domestic violence is, its various types, and how we can recognise if someone is a victim.
Key Points:
- Domestic violence affects individuals, families and communities.
- The types of domestic violence include physical abuse, psychological abuse, verbal abuse, and economic abuse.
- It is important to recognise early signs of domestic violence to prevent further harm and injury.
- Seek immediate professional help from law enforcement and legal teams such as VM Family Law if you suspect or find yourself in an abusive relationship.
What Is Domestic Violence in Brisbane?
Domestic violence, also referred to as family violence, refers to a pattern of repetitive, abusive behaviour from one individual. This conduct is often directed to another person, the victim or survivor, with whom the perpetrator or abuser shares a significant relationship.
It is essential to note the existence of a “relationship” in defining domestic violence. The relationship is typically within a family or two intimate partners coexisting within a home or a domestic setup.
This abuse is often carried through physical, psychological, sexual or even economic acts. Such actions could include threatening, injuring, intimidation, terrorising, manipulation, humiliation and many more, all of which the aim is to control or gain and maintain power over the victim. If overlooked, these could lead to long-term trauma, severe injury and even death.
No one is exempted from being a being of domestic violence, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, faith, education or even class. However, there are certain groups of individuals who experience it the most.
- Women: Women are the most affected by domestic violence, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. One statistic showed that around 23% of women experienced abuse in QLD.
- Children: Often called as child abuse. Children or young people are also victims, whether the abuse is directed towards them or they’re witnesses to a domestic violence scene. A survey showed that children aged 0-14 have the most number of hospitalisation for abuse-related injuries, either from maltreatment or physical or sexual assault from a member of the family.
- Elderly individuals: Also referred to as elder abuse. A study showed that between 2% and 10% of elderly individuals experience neglect and psychological or financial abuse caused by a family member.
- People with disabilities: Because of their conditions, people with disabilities can, unfortunately, also fall victim to domestic violence. Studies show that individuals with impairments, mental illness, or handicaps are likely to experience three times more domestic abuse compared to those individuals without disabilities.
- LGBTQ: Because of stigma, prejudice, or discrimination, members of the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) have also experienced at one point this type of abuse. A survey showed 10% of the abuse was caused by an intimate partner, while a family member caused 40% of cases.
- Indigenous communities: Domestic violence is also present among the indigenous communities. These communities often experience instances of high abuse triggered by stress-related factors that are due to socio-economic elements such as poverty and unemployment. Surveys showed that First Nations women are 32 times more likely to be hospitalised because of domestic violence compared to non-indigenous women.
What are the domestic violence laws in Brisbane?
What victims of domestic violence in Brisbane should know is that they have a recourse to turn to under the rules of law.
Anyone found guilty is subjected to the rules and punishments under the criminal laws and family laws of Brisbane. These laws are created to not only hold the perpetrators accountable. They also provide protection to victims, giving them the opportunity to seek help, support and even recovery from the law enforcement and legal system.
Some of these notable laws are the following:
- The Criminal Code Act of 1899 provides a list of crimes connected to domestic abuse, including physical assault, sexual assault, harassment and stalking.
- The Family Law Act 1975 is an Australian federal law that provides the structure of family law matters in domestic violence cases, such as dealing with child custody, divorce and property settlement.
- When it comes to a law intended particularly for domestic violence in Brisbane, the specific legislation is the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (DFVPA). It provides the framework of rights and responsibilities of victims and perpetrators for Domestic Violence Orders.
What is a DVO, and how do you apply for one?
A domestic violence order is also known as a protection order. This court-issued document is intended to provide immediate protection to domestic violence victim-survivors. It usually provides the conditions that a perpetrator must follow, such as not approaching or contacting the abuse victim or any other measures that ensure the victim’s safety.
When applying for a DVO, here are the steps:
1) Seek Assistance
To get a DVO, it’s best to seek assistance from professionals whose expertise is domestic violence cases.
VM Family Law has been successfully representing clients in domestic violence cases for years, including assisting them with legal services when applying for DVOs. Contact us today or simply call us on (07) 3447 8966.
2) Gather Evidence
Evidence and documentation is important. Make sure that you collect any documents, photos, or records that show that you or someone close to you is a victim of domestic violence.
3) Attend Court If Required
You may be required to attend court to file your application for a DVO. Your solicitor can assist you with this, including how to present yourself to the court. In some cases if your safety is a risk, you can attend remotely.
4) Obtain the DVO
Once the court grants the DVO, you will be given a copy of the order. Make sure to familiarise yourself with the conditions that are set out in the DVO, including your rights and responsibilities.
What are the different types of domestic violence in Brisbane?
Domestic violence comes in many forms in Brisbane. Although the actions share the same intent of controlling and exerting power, there are different ways these acts are carried out.
Here are the different types of domestic violence:
Physical Abuse
These acts typically include hitting, shoving, punching, kicking, strangling, or any actions that cause physical harm or injury to the victim.
Sexual Abuse
Any non-consensual sexual activity such as rape, coercion, sexual harassment or sexual assault falls into this category.
Psychological Abuse
Actions that demean, degrade or belittle a person’s dignity or worth fall under this type of abuse. Psychological abuse is usually done by controlling, manipulating, intimidating, gaslighting, humiliating, threatening, or socially isolating the victim.
Verbal Abuse
If your partner or a family member has been persistently calling you names, making insults, or verbally humiliating you in front of others, then this is considered verbal abuse.
Financial or Economic Abuse
Have you experienced being restricted from accessing money by someone close to you? Is your partner or a family member manipulating, exploiting or depriving you of your financial resources?
Is your loved one preventing you from pursuing work, education or any form of self-development? Then, you could be a victim of financial or economic abuse.
If you’ve experienced any of these abuses, or if you know someone going through domestic violence in Brisbane, immediately seek professional and legal help. VM Family Law specialises in handling domestic violence cases in Brisbane and Brisbane, and we can provide legal advice and assistance to help you or your loved ones.
How do you recognise signs of domestic violence?
You may not know it, but someone close to you could already be a victim of domestic violence. One way to prevent domestic violence from occurring is to know the signs and symptoms of someone who might be going through this type of abuse.
The indicators could vary from individual to individual and, at times, could even be difficult to determine. But if the abuse is left unresolved and continues for an extended period, eventually, some distinguishing mark will become visible to the victim.
Here are some of the common signs of domestic violence:
Physical Indicators
Obvious signs of physical abuse are violent behaviour caused by bruises, cuts or broken bones. Often, these indicators are unexplained injuries or injuries that the victim may try to conceal from onlookers.
Emotional Indicators
Emotional indicators of domestic violence are more challenging to detect because they occur alongside other types of abuse. Also, the perpetrators could be manipulating or threatening, making it difficult for victims to speak up and seek help.
Some emotional indicators could include sudden changes in behaviour, withdrawal from socialising, isolation, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and other signs of affected mental health.
FAQs
What should I do if I suspect someone is a victim of domestic violence?
If you know someone who can be a victim of domestic violence, you need to approach their situation carefully. Here’s what you can do:
- Show concern and support. Make the individual feel that you are there for them and are available if they need help or someone to talk to.
- Advise them to seek professional help with legal support or helplines that specialise in domestic violence. Offer information on support services, shelters or counselling.
- Don’t forget your own personal safety. If the individual is in immediate danger, it is always best to contact a police officer or Brisbane police service for assistance. Wrong intervention could cause harm to yourself, the victim, or endanger the safety of all members of our community.
How long after the incident can you report domestic violence?
In Brisbane, there is no time limit for reporting domestic violence cases. However, it is always best to report the case immediately if you suspect one or you find yourself in the situation. This is for your own or your loved ones’ protection.
If you are experiencing domestic violence of any kind, contact VM Family Law at 07 3447 8966 or email us here. Our highly experienced team is here to help.
What evidence do I need to prove domestic violence?
Depending on the criminal or family law proceedings, some of the evidence required includes photos of the abuse, financial reports, medical records, or other evidence. As domestic violence is a criminal matter in most cases, evidence is required.
If you need advice about what type of evidence would best suit your circumstances, then please do not hesitate to contact VM Family Law today. We’ve specialist domestic violence solicitors who can help.
Conclusion
No one should suffer from domestic violence.
If you or a loved one is going through an abuse, take action immediately and seek help and support. Domestic violence is a harsh reality that has destroyed lives all over the world, including individuals and their loved ones in Brisbane. To curb and prevent domestic violence, the community should come together to raise awareness and offer support to survivors.
At VM Family Law, we understand the complexities of domestic violence cases and the court process involved. We are here to provide expert legal advice and guidance, and we are committed to helping you navigate the legal system and take steps towards a safer future.
Give us a call at 07 3447 8966 for free initial advice with one of our specialist family law solicitors. Don’t wait—reach out for help now, and let us support you through this difficult time.
