Respond to domestic and family violence
Domestic and family violence (DFV) occurs when one person in an intimate or romantic relationship, family or informal carer relationship uses violence or abuse to control the other person.
DFV is usually an ongoing pattern of behaviour aimed at controlling another person through fear. It can take many forms including coercive control and non-physical forms of abuse, such as social, sexual, financial, psychological and technology-based abuse.
Over time, this can have a devastating impact on victim-survivors’ autonomy, independence, wellbeing and safety.
DFV and coercive control can impact anyone, regardless of age, ability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, location and socio-demographic groups.
Find out more about DFV and coercive control.
Every Queenslander has the right to feel safe and be safe, especially in their home. DFV is a violation of this basic human right.
What can you do?
As a Queensland public servant, if you have contact with a person who is experiencing DFV, it is important to offer them appropriate support.
If a person discloses they are experiencing DFV, here are some steps you should follow:
- If the person is in immediate danger, phone the police on Triple Zero (000).
- If there is no immediate emergency, the client can report DFV to the police by phoning Policelink on 131 444, or the client or a support person can also request contact with a police officer via the Queensland Police online reporting form.
- The person can also obtain support by phoning DVConnect, a 24-hour domestic violence helpline, on 1800 811 811.
On the Need to Know Domestic and Family Violence Hub you will also find useful information about:
- domestic and family violence helplines
- local support services
- staying safe while affected by domestic and family violence
- where someone can find help
- helping someone affected by domestic and family violence
- getting legal advice
- how to report domestic and family violence.
If you need advice to support a fellow Queensland Government employee who is experiencing DFV, please refer to the domestic and family violence support information on this website.
Training
The Queensland Government has developed 2 foundational online training modules that are available statewide for government agencies, non-government organisations and community groups. These online training modules have been developed in line with the Domestic and family violence training and change management framework and explore coercive control and the new coercive control legislation which commences on 26 May 2025.
Visit the Domestic and family violence and coercive control training modules page on Need to Know to complete the training.
More information
Further information about Queensland Government violence prevention policies can be found on the Department of Justice website.
This includes information about:
- the DFV prevention strategy 2016–26
- DFV reform
- DFV training and change management framework
- information for DFV service providers
- sexual violence prevention
- the Not now, not ever. Together. community campaign
You can also find out about our progress in preventing and responding to DFV and in response to the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce reports.