Last week, we predicted that domestic violence would increase as a result of COVID-19 Coronavirus.
The Chief Justice of the Family Law Courts has come out saying that the Courts must stay open because of the likelihood of a Coronavirus related domestic violence spike.
We recently wrote about the Family Law Courts’ Coronavirus protocols.
However, it is the state courts which deal with domestic violence protection orders.
Domestic Violence plans from the Queensland Magistrates Court
Appearances on domestic violence applications excused
If it is a police application the aggrieved does not have to appear.
Any party represented by a lawyer does not have to appear.
Appearances by telephone will be permitted.
Police Applications
Private Applications for Domestic Violence protection orders
If an application for protection is urgent, the application should request assistance from the Queensland Police to obtain an urgent order or issue a Police Protection Notice.
If Police determine not to apply for an urgent order or issue a Police Protection Notice, then the applicant must email their application to the Court (including email addresses and telephone contact details for all parties).
Email addresses for domestic violence matters in the Magistrates Courts
Brisbane Magistrates Court: courthouse.brisbane@justice.qld.gov.au
All other registries can be contacted by substituting ‘brisbane’ with the name of the Court
e.g.: Cleveland would be courthouse.cleveland@justice.qld.gov.au
What does this mean for Domestic Violence applications during the COVID19 Coronavirus pandemic
They can make an urgent application on your behalf and/or issue a Police Protection Notice.
If they decline to do so, then you can email in an Application and seek an urgent hearing.