Domestic Violence
Pharmacis Canning Lawyers is committed to providing you with
the best service possible and pride ourselves on our success.
Domestic violence matters are among the most urgent and sensitive areas of law. They often involve complex legal, emotional and safety considerations and can arise suddenly, sometimes alongside family breakdown, separation, or criminal allegations.
Our firm provides experienced, discreet and practical legal advice in all domestic violence matters. We act for both protected persons (applicants) and respondents (the person the order is made against). This ensures clients receive clear advice on their rights, obligations, risks and options from the outset.
We understand that these matters are not only legal issues but also deeply personal situations involving safety, family relationships, housing, employment and parenting arrangements.
What Is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence (also referred to as family violence) includes a broad range of behaviours that occur in a domestic or intimate relationship. It is not limited to physical violence.
Common forms include:
– Physical assault or threats of harm
– Emotional and psychological abuse
– Verbal abuse, humiliation or intimidation
– Coercive and controlling behaviour
– Financial abuse (controlling money or restricting access to funds)
– Stalking or persistent unwanted contact
– Harassment via phone, messages or social media
– Monitoring, tracking or surveillance
– Damage to property or threats involving property
– Isolation from family, friends or support networks
The court considers the overall pattern of behaviour, not just isolated incidents.
Domestic Violence Orders (AVO / DVO)
A Domestic Violence Order (also known as an Apprehended Violence Order or Protection Order depending on jurisdiction) is a court order designed to protect a person from further violence, threats or harassment.
Orders are commonly made in two stages:
– Interim Order – temporary protection while the matter is ongoing
– Final Order – longer-term order made after a court hearing or agreement
Common conditions of a Domestic Violence Order
| Condition Type | What It Means |
| Non-violence condition | No assault, threats, intimidation or harassment |
| No contact condition | No direct or indirect contact (including messages or third parties) |
| Exclusion condition | Cannot attend home, workplace or specified locations |
| Distance condition | Must stay a certain distance away from protected person |
| Behaviour restrictions | Restrictions on online conduct or communication |
| Property conditions | Rules about collecting belongings or shared property |
Breaching any condition can result in criminal charges.
Common conditions of a Domestic Violence Order
Condition Type | What It Means |
Non-violence condition | No assault, threats, intimidation or harassment |
No contact condition | No direct or indirect contact (including messages or third parties) |
Exclusion condition | Cannot attend home, workplace or specified locations |
Distance condition | Must stay a certain distance away from protected person |
Behaviour restrictions | Restrictions on online conduct or communication |
Property conditions | Rules about collecting belongings or shared property |
Breaching any condition can result in criminal charges.
Acting for Protected Persons (Applicants)
If you are experiencing domestic violence or feel unsafe, we assist you to obtain protection through the court system.
We provide support with:
– Urgent applications for Domestic Violence Orders
– Interim (immediate) protection applications
– Court representation at all stages
– Safety-focused legal advice
– Variation or extension of existing orders
– Enforcement of breaches
– Coordination with police where appropriate
– Advice regarding housing and relocation options (where relevant)
Typical process for applicants:
| Stage | What Happens |
| Initial Advice | We assess risk and explain legal options |
| Application Filed | Court documents are prepared and lodged |
| Interim Order | Court may grant immediate protection |
| Service | Respondent is formally served with documents |
| Hearing | Evidence is presented to the court |
| Final Order | Court determines long-term protection |
In urgent situations, applications can be made quickly to prioritise immediate safety.
Acting for Respondents (Persons Named in Orders)
Being served with a domestic violence application can have immediate and significant consequences, including restrictions on where you can live, who you can contact, and how you interact with family members.
We provide clear and practical advice to ensure you understand your position and options.
We assist with:
– Responding to Domestic Violence Order applications
– Defending allegations in court
– Negotiating order terms (including consent orders)
– Contesting interim or final orders
– Varying or revoking existing orders
– Advising on compliance obligations
– Representation in breach allegations or related criminal mattere
Possible outcomes:
| Outcome | Description |
| No Order Made | Court dismisses the application |
| Consent Without Admission | Agreement without accepting allegations |
| Limited Order | Reduced or practical conditions imposed |
| Final Order | Conditions imposed for a set period |
| Variation | Existing order modified to suit circumstances |
We focus on achieving fair, workable outcomes while protecting your legal rights and reputation.
Possible outcomes:
Outcome | Description |
No Order Made | Court dismisses the application |
Consent Without Admission | Agreement without accepting allegations |
Limited Order | Reduced or practical conditions imposed |
Final Order | Conditions imposed for a set period |
Variation | Existing order modified to suit circumstances |
We focus on achieving fair, workable outcomes while protecting your legal rights and reputation.
Breach of Domestic Violence Orders
Breaching a Domestic Violence Order is a serious criminal offence and can lead to arrest, charges and penalties.
Examples of breaches include:
– Sending text messages, emails or social media contact
– Contacting through friends or family members
– Attending prohibited locations
– Repeated unwanted communication
– Harassing or intimidating behaviour
– Failing to comply with exclusion conditions
If you are accused of breaching an order, we can assist with:
– Urgent legal advice following police contact or arrest
– Representation in criminal proceedings
– Bail applications (where required)
– Negotiation with police or prosecution
– Preparing a defence or mitigation strategy
Domestic Violence and Family Law Matters
Domestic violence allegations often overlap with parenting disputes and family law proceedings.
We assist with:
– Parenting arrangements and custody disputes
– Restrictions on contact with children
– Supervised visitation arrangements
– Family Court proceedings involving safety concerns
– Urgent recovery or relocation applications
– Advice on how domestic violence orders affect parenting rights
Courts prioritise the safety and best interests of children when making parenting decisions.
Evidence in Domestic Violence Matters
Domestic violence matters often rely on detailed evidence and documentation.
Common types of evidence include:
– Police reports and statements
– Text messages, emails and call logs
– Social media messages and screenshots
– Medical records or injury reports
– Photographs or video evidence
– Witness statements from family or friends
– Diary notes or incident records
We assist clients in gathering, reviewing and presenting evidence in a legally effective manner.
Emergency and Urgent Assistance
Domestic violence matters often require urgent legal intervention.
We can assist with:
– Same-day legal advice (where available)
– Emergency court applications
– Urgent protection orders
– Police liaison and statements
– Immediate safety-related legal steps
– Fast representation in court proceedings
If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services.
Key Differences: Applicants vs Respondents
Topic | Applicant (Protected Person) | Respondent (Named Person) |
Objective | Seek protection | Defend or manage allegations |
Court Role | Applicant in proceedings | Respondent to application |
Focus | Safety and protection | Fairness and legal rights |
Evidence | Show risk or incidents | Challenge or explain allegations |
Outcome | Protection order made | Order dismissed, varied or imposed |
Why Choose Us
Domestic violence matters require careful handling, discretion and clear legal strategy. We provide:
– Urgent and responsive legal assistance
– Confidential and respectful advice
– Strong courtroom representation
– Experience acting for both applicants and respondents
– Practical guidance tailored to real-life outcomes
– Clear explanations of legal rights and obligations
We aim to support clients through a difficult process while ensuring their legal position is protected.
Contact Us
If you require advice or representation in relation to domestic violence matters, contact our office as soon as possible. We can assist with urgent protection applications, court proceedings, defence of allegations and related family law matters.
Our Advantages
- We care
- Deal with the Principal directly
- Approachable and friendly
- Flexible payment options
Pharmacis Canning Lawyers
Contact Us
Level 15 Corporate Centre One, 2 Corporate Court Bundall QLD 4217
Community Branch Office Carrara Markets Shop 33 (weekends 11am – 2pm)
George C Pharmacis
Principal
Melbourne Office
101 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Sydney Office
