What this guide covers
The Act recognises forms of domestic violence and provides routes to protection, residence, monetary, custody and compensation orders. Police, Protection Officers, service providers and Magistrates have specified roles. Immediate danger should be treated as a safety emergency, not only a paperwork issue.
What to do now
Move to safety and call 112 if there is immediate danger. Preserve medical evidence and communications. Contact a Protection Officer, service provider, police or Magistrate, and request free legal aid. Ask for an acknowledgement of every complaint.
Keep these records
Keep medical records, photographs, messages, bank or expense records, address proof, relationship documents, witness details and copies of complaints.
Where to go
Contact 112 in an emergency, NALSA 15100 for legal aid, and the local Protection Officer or DLSA.
Important
This guide provides general legal information, not case-specific advice. Procedure, limitation periods, authorities and remedies can vary by state and facts. Verify the current official rules before acting.