Bringing together the combined expertise of QLS and Legal Aid Queensland (LAQ), an updated Domestic and Family Violence Best Practice Framework is now available.
The collaborative framework will help all legal practitioners in dealing with legal matters where domestic and family violence (DFV) is identified. We also wanted to broaden the scope to not only be a DV practitioner resource.
The framework may also assist court staff, social workers and community organisations who are supporting those going through legal proceedings, where DFV is a concern. Practitioners are encouraged to use the framework when working with either persons experiencing or persons using violence, across all areas of law.
DFV can affect anyone, regardless of culture, race, gender and sexual identity, economic and employment status, age, or where they live.
We are proud to have worked alongside LAQ to jointly develop this resource, and thankful to all the practitioners across different practice areas and sectors who contributed. We also wish to acknowledge the members of the QLS Domestic and Family Violence Committee, who led the development of the framework within QLS.
A recent survey of QLS members showed that a majority of practitioners are aware of the guidelines released in 2016, had used them in their work, and found them useful in their practice and in keeping their clients safer.
Background
In 1999, LAQ endorsed and implemented a Violence Against Women Strategy in response to concerns raised by community organisations about the way the legal system treats people who have been affected by DFV.
In 2000, it developed a Best Practice Guidelines Framework and Best Practice Guidelines for working with clients affected by DFV.
In 2016, we published the DFV Best Practice Guidelines following a recommendation set out in the Special Taskforce on Domestic and Family Violence in Queensland Not Now, Not Ever report.
Resources available
Download Domestic and Family Violence Best Practice Framework for Legal and Non-Legal Practitioners (2020) from the end of this page.
Download Domestic and Family Violence Best Practice Guidelines (2016) from the end of this page.
View this Video - How DFV can impact the workplace where Kristin Ramsey, Chair of our Industrial Law Committee lists six steps an employer can do to meet their obligations and provide support to an employee experiencing domestic and family violence.
Find more resources to assist legal practitioners on the QLS Domestic and Family Violence Portal.
