Domestic Violence Resource Centre

BDVAS is the regional domestic violence service for the Brisbane Metropolitan area.

The following principles underpin our service delivery:

Domestic and family violence is a fundamental violation of human rights and is unacceptable in any form.

Violence in many forms is a crime and should not be tolerated by society.

Women and children are predominantly victims of domestic and family violence.

All family members have a right to safety in the community and where they reside.

All individuals experiencing domestic and family violence have a right to be treated with respect, dignity and with a non-judgmental attitude.

All individuals experiencing domestic and family violence have the right to choose what options they pursue to address the violence.

The Brisbane Domestic Violence Advocacy Service (BDVAS) is an activity of the Domestic Violence Resource Centre Inc (DVRC)

Phone: (07) 3217 2544

Fax: (07) 3217 2679

E-mail:admin@dvrc.org.au

BDVAS offers a free and confidential service for women, children, family members and individuals in the community affected by domestic and family violence.

BDVAS welcome all individuals who identify as being from non-English speaking backgrounds, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender.

What is Domestic and Family Violence?

Domestic and family violence occurs in all sections of our community and across all cultures. Being abused is NOT a normal part of domestic and / or family life.

Domestic and family violence occurs when someone in an intimate or familial relationship attempts to gain and / or maintain power and control over another through a wide range of abusive behaviours:

PHYSICAL- e.g. Punching, pushing, being injured with objects/weapons etc.

VERBAL- e.g. Constant put-downs, name calling etc.

SEXUAL- e.g. Any forced or unwanted sexual contact/activity etc.

SOCIAL- e.g. Controlling where you go, who you see, what you wear etc.

FINANCIAL- e.g. Being refused/denied access to money etc.

DAMAGE TO PROPERTY- e.g. Kicking a hole in the wall, scratching your car etc.

PSYCHOLOGICAL- e.g. Behavior and/or comments to undermine your sense of self etc.

Legal Protection

A Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) can offer you legal protection from the person using violence. DVPOs are made at a Magistrates Court. A DVPO is not a criminal charge. It orders the violent person to be of good behaviour towards you and not to commit domestic violence against you. It is also possible to ask for extra conditions to offer you more specific protection. One of the extra conditions you can apply for is an 'ouster' condition, whereby the respondent is made to vacate the property where you live (or used to live) together. Currently, individuals that are experiencing violence in the following types of relationships, can apply for a DVPO:

SPOUSAL: Including current or former partners, hetero or homosexual relationships (married, separated, defacto).

FAMILY: Parent, uncle/aunt, sibling, adult child, in-laws etc.

INTIMATE/PERSONAL: Boyfriend/girlfriend, someone you are dating.

INFORMAL CARE RELATIONSHIP: Relationship between a person with a disability/
illness/impairment and someone who provides assistance with activities of daily living. No formal payment or money is involved for the care.

How Can BDVAS Assist?

BDVAS provides:

Information – relevant to your situation

Referrals – to other appropriate services

Crisis Support – developing a safety and protection plan to meet your needs

Assistance – in exploring your options, choices, rights and entitlements specific to your individual situation

Practical Assistance – in accessing accommodation, protection, legal advice/ representation, court support, financial assistance, counselling, childcare, immigration and health services

Advocacy and Emotional Support – through outreach and centre-based services

Short-Term Crisis Counselling – as part of an overall case management plan

A Cross Cultural Service – with linkages to culturally specific organisations

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Information and support for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people affected by domestic and family violence.

What is Domestic and Family Violence?

Domestic and family violence occurs in all sections of our community, across all cultures and in all types of relationships (e.g. lesbian, gay, heterosexual). Being abused is NOT a normal part of domestic and/or family life.

Domestic and family violence occurs when someone in an intimate or familial relationship attempts to gain and/or maintain power and control over another through a wide range of abusive behaviors:

Legal Protection

Domestic violence can and does occur in gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities.

GLBT people experiencing domestic violence have the same rights to legal protection as heterosexual people.

You can apply for a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) to protect you from the person using violence. DVPOs are made at a Magistrates Court. A DVPO is not a criminal charge. It orders the violent person to be of good behavior towards you and not to commit domestic violence against you. It is also possible to ask for extra conditions to offer you more specific protection. One of the extra conditions you can apply for is an 'ouster' condition, whereby the respondent is made to vacate the property where you live (or used to live) together.

You can apply for a Protection Order if you are experiencing abuse in a spousal relationship, a dating relationship, a familial relationship and/or from an informal care relationship.

It may be difficult for you to talk about your domestic violence experience if you are in a same-sex relationship.

No one deserves to be abused. You have the right to access protection and support.