In 2012, Queensland introduced the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (DFVPA), a landmark piece of legislation aimed at strengthening the state’s response to domestic and family violence. At the time, the Act was considered a significant step forward, offering a more modern and victim-focused legal framework to better protect those experiencing abuse.
Now, more than a decade later, Queensland has taken another critical step by criminalising coercive control, an insidious form of abuse that wasn’t adequately captured under existing legislation. Understanding how far we’ve come begins with looking back at where it all started.
What Did the DFVPA 2012 Introduce?
The DFVPA 2012 replaced the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 1989 and it was designed to provide a more effective and accessible civil protection order system for people who experience domestic violence.
The Act introduced a number of key changes to improve the protection of victims and respond to the complexity and dynamics of domestic violence.
Some of the key changes included:
Expanded definition of domestic violence
- The Act broadened the definition of domestic violence to include physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and economic abuse, as well as threatening or coercive behaviour.
Focus on victim safety and wellbeing
- Courts were encouraged to consider the broader context of harm, including intimidation and controlling behaviour.
More robust police powers
- Police were given greater authority to issue Police Protection Notices and take immediate steps to protect victims, even without a court order.
Improved court processes
- The Act aimed to simplify applications for protection orders and encourage consistent decision-making across Queensland’s courts.
These reforms reflected a growing awareness that domestic and family violence can take many forms, and that legal protections needed to reflect this complexity.
Laying the Groundwork for Change
The DFVPA 2012 was a turning point. It helped shift the conversation around domestic violence and sparked a wider review of the systems and laws in place to protect vulnerable Queenslanders. However, despite these advancements, gaps remained, particularly in how the law dealt with non-physical abuse and long-term patterns of coercive control.
Over time, it became increasingly clear that legal reform was needed to address this grey area of abuse. The DFVPA had created a stronger foundation, but more targeted legislation would be necessary to close the remaining loopholes.
From Legal Protection to Criminalisation: The Next Step
In 2023, Queensland Parliament passed legislation to criminalise coercive control, making it one of the first Australian states to do so. This reform directly addresses controlling behaviours, like isolation, financial control, and surveillance, that often precede or accompany physical violence.
This legal change builds upon the work started with the DFVPA 2012, signalling a continued commitment to adapting Queensland’s laws to reflect the lived experiences of victim-survivors.
Want to learn more about the new coercive control offence and what it means for Queenslanders? Read our in-depth blog on Queensland’s landmark coercive control reforms here.
Final Thoughts
The introduction of the DFVPA in 2012 marked a shift in how domestic violence was treated under Queensland law. It expanded legal definitions, prioritised victim safety, and set the tone for continued reform.
Today, we’re seeing the next chapter unfolds as coercive control becomes a recognised criminal offence. At The Legal House, we continue to support those navigating the complexities of domestic and family violence law, helping clients understand their rights and access the protection they deserve.
If you need guidance on domestic violence matters, whether you're seeking a protection order or are affected by controlling behaviours, Nick and our team are here to help.
