Rights – Domestic Violence

picture of a lady with dark hair adn a white jumper hugging herself

Your Rights

You have a right to feel safe and be treated with dignity, to live a life free from violence and harassment

Family and domestic violence is conduct that is violent, threatening, coercive, controlling or intended to cause the family or household member to be fearful. It is unacceptable in any form.

Domestic violence can include:

  • physical, verbal, emotional, sexual or psychological abuse
  • neglect
  • financial abuse
  • stalking
  • harm to an animal or property
  • restricting your spiritual or cultural participation, or
  • exposing children to the effects of these behaviours

Family and domestic violence can affect anyone. It can impact all types of relationships, such as:

  • past or current intimate relationships – including people who are dating or living together, regardless of their gender or sexuality
  • relationships involving carers – where care is provided to older people, people with a disability or a medical condition
  • relatives and guardians
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander concepts of family, including extended family, and
  • other culturally recognised family groups

People affected by family and domestic violence may live in fear for themselves and their family, even when they have left a violent relationship.

For more information regarding your rights and afforded protections in relation to Domestic Violence contact Legal Aid Qld:

Phone: 1300 651 188

Domestic Violence Legal Information: Click here

General Website: www.legalaid.qld.gov.au

To find out how to complain about Domestic Violence and where to get help and suport, see Complaints & Help – Domestic Violence.

If you require urgent assistance call Triple Zero (000)

  • if a crime is happening now
  • when a life is threatened
  • when the event is time critical, e.g. incidents with severe blood loss.