Does a DVO show on a police check?

If you have a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) against you, you may be wondering if it will appear on a police check? This can depend on a number of factors including whether or not the order has been breached.

Will a DVO Appear on a Police Check?

In Queensland, a DVO is a civil order, this meaning that it does not appear on a standard National Police Check (NPC). However, there are circumstances where it can be disclosed. These being:
  • Breaching the DVO
  • It is a criminal offence under section 177 of the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012. Any convictions related to breaching a DVO will appear on a police check.
  • Certain employment checks
  • As of 2022, a DVO may become a requirement to disclose when registering for a blue card (working with children) or when obtaining a security clearance. This does depend on the assessment criteria when applying.
  • Visa and international travel applications
  • Travel may be impacted as some countries consider DVOs when assessing character requirements to be eligible to enter the country.

DVO vs Criminal Conviction - What is the Difference?

It is important to understand that having a DVO issued against you does not mean that you have a criminal record. A DVO is designed to protect individuals from domestic violence under the Queensland law and is not considered a punishment. However, if you do breach the condition of the DVO, this then becomes a serious criminal offence that can result in fines or up to 3 years in prison for a first offence (5 years if there are prior breaches).

A DVO itself may not always appear on a police check, however, breaching one will result in a criminal record. If you are unsure about how a DVO might affect your future, it is important to seek legal advice.

If you would like to speak with a DV Solicitor about your situation, call (07) 2102 6677 to schedule an initial consultation.
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