DVO Conditions Explained
What Each Condition Means in Practice
Every domestic violence order sets out specific conditions you must follow. The conditions are not suggestions — each one is individually enforceable, and breaching any single condition is a criminal offence under the Act . This page explains what each type of condition actually requires of you in day-to-day life, what "good behaviour" means in practice, and the common mistakes that lead to a breach charge.
The Standard Condition — Every Order
Every DVO includes a mandatory standard condition under section 56 of the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 . The court has no discretion about this — it must be imposed on every order. The standard condition requires that you: Must be of good behaviour toward the aggrieved Must not commit domestic violence against the aggrieved If other people are named on the order — children,…
No-Contact Conditions
A no-contact condition prohibits you from contacting or attempting to contact the aggrieved by any means. Under section 58(d) of the Act, this includes: Phone calls, text messages, emails, and voicemails Social media messages — including from new or anonymous accounts Contact through a third party — asking someone else to pass on a message, relay information, or make contact on your behalf…
No-Approach and Exclusion Zone Conditions
Under section 58(c) of the Act, the court can impose a condition prohibiting you from approaching or attempting to approach the aggrieved or a named person. The order will usually specify a distance — for example, not within 100 metres. The condition may name specific locations: The aggrieved's home address The aggrieved's workplace A child's school or childcare centre Any other location the…
Ouster Conditions
An ouster condition under section 63 of the Act requires you to leave a stated premises and not return. This applies even if you own the property or are on the lease. Section 63(2) makes this explicit: the premises that may be stated in an ouster condition include premises in which you have a legal or equitable interest, premises where you and the aggrieved live or previously lived together, and…
Conditions About Children
If children are named on the order, the conditions may restrict or prohibit your contact with them. Under section 58(f) of the Act, the court can prohibit your presence at or near a place associated with a child — their school, childcare centre, sporting activities, or home. Under section 62, the court can impose a condition specifically limiting contact between a parent and a child named on the…
Weapons and Firearms
When a DVO is made, your obligations regarding weapons are immediate and non-negotiable. Under section 83 of the Act, no exemption under the Weapons Act 1990 applies to a respondent named in a domestic violence order. This means that even if you are a police officer, security worker, or hold an occupational exemption, you are subject to the full requirements of the Weapons Act for the duration of…
What “Good Behaviour” Actually Means
The standard condition requires you to “be of good behaviour” toward the aggrieved. This is broader than most people expect. It does not just mean no physical violence. Under section 8 of the Act, domestic violence includes behaviour that is: Physically or sexually abusive Emotionally or psychologically abusive — section 11 defines this as behaviour that torments, intimidates, harasses, or is…
What Happens If You Breach a Condition
Contravening any condition of a DVO is a criminal offence under section 177 of the Act. It does not matter which condition you breach or whether the breach seems minor. The maximum penalties are: 120 penalty units or three years' imprisonment — standard 240 penalty units or five years' imprisonment — if you have a prior domestic violence conviction within the previous five years Police regularly…
The Cost
Sacha handles respondent DVO matters on a fixed fee basis. Consent order — $2,500 — covers consultation, negotiation of conditions with police or the aggrieved's solicitor, and court appearance to consent to the order with agreed conditions Contested hearing — $4,800 — covers consultation, evidence review, preparation of submissions, cross-examination, and full hearing appearance If you are also…
Fixed Fees
Related Articles
- Served with a DVO — What to Do First
- How to Vary or Revoke a DVO
- How to Apply for a DVO in Queensland
- What Evidence Do I Need for a DVO?
- Temporary vs Final Protection Orders
- What Happens at a DVO Hearing?
- Understanding Domestic Violence Orders in Queensland
- Breach of a DVO in Queensland
- DV Charges — What Happens Next?