Criminal Law (Domestic Violence) Amendment Bill 2015

Overview

This bill toughens Queensland's response to domestic violence by increasing penalties for breaching protection orders, flagging domestic violence offences on criminal histories, and giving victims better protections when they give evidence in court. It delivers three recommendations from the 'Not Now, Not Ever' Taskforce report on domestic and family violence.

Who it affects

Victims of domestic violence get stronger court protections and a clearer record of a perpetrator's history of abuse. Perpetrators face higher maximum penalties and a criminal record that identifies domestic violence offences.

Key changes

• Maximum penalty for breaching a domestic violence order increases to 5 years imprisonment or 240 penalty units for repeat offenders (up from 3 years / 120 units)
• First-time breaches now carry up to 3 years imprisonment or 120 penalty units (up from 2 years / 60 units)
• Courts must record convictions as 'domestic violence offences' on a person's criminal history when satisfied the offence occurred in a domestic violence context
• Prosecutors can apply to have past convictions retrospectively flagged as domestic violence offences
• Domestic violence victims giving evidence in court now qualify as 'special witnesses', allowing protections like screens, support people, or pre-recorded evidence