Police Protection Directions (PPDs): What You Need to Know
From 1 January 2026, Queensland police will be able to issue Police Protection Directions (PPDs) as a new way to help protect people experiencing domestic and family violence.
Information Sheets on PPDs have been developed by the Queensland Government. These provide a lot of detail and have information for anyone including victim-survivors, persons using violence and the community.
The below is a short general overview of PPDs.
What is a Police Protection Direction?
Police Protection Directions (PPDs) are 12-month directions issued by police to provide immediate protection from domestic and family violence.
A PPD involves three types of people:
- The aggrieved – the person being hurt or threatened (the victim-survivor)
- Named persons – other people who may also be at risk, such as children, family members, or others
- The respondent – the person who is using violence
A PPD:
- Is issued directly by police
- Starts immediately
- Does not involve court
- Lasts for 12 months
When can police issue a PPD?
Police may issue a PPD if they reasonably believe:
- Two or more people have a relationship covered by the law (for example, partners, family members, or a carer)
- A person has used domestic violence
- A PPD is needed to help keep you safe
- It is not better to apply for a court-ordered Domestic Violence Order (DVO) instead
If you are a victim/survivor, the Police must listen to what you want, including whether you would prefer to go to court to ask for a longer-term protection order.
What does a PPD require?
If police issue a PPD the respondent on the PPD must follow all the rules.
Breaching a PPD is a criminal offence.
Standard rules are :
- Treating the other person respectfully (of good behaviour)
- Not hurting or harming the other person
- Not using domestic and family violence
- Not asking others to threaten or scare or hurt the other person
Police may also include extra rules, such as:
- No contact
- Staying away from a location like a home or workplace
- Returning to collect belongings only with police present
- Temporary “cool-down” periods where they have to stay away
Police should talk with all people named on the PPD about these conditions and what is needed for safety.
How long does a PPD last?
A PPD lasts for 12 months from when the respondent is notified. It may end earlier if another order is made (such as a DVO or Police Protection Notice), or through a police or court review.
If your PPD is ending and you still feel unsafe, contact police or seek legal advice as soon as possible.
What if I don’t agree with the PPD?
If you are the aggrieved, you can ask for:
- A Police Review, and/or
- A Court Review
You do not need to do one before the other.
If you are a named person, you can request a Police Review.
Support is available
A PPD is designed to increase safety, but no order can guarantee protection. If you do not feel safe, please reach out for support.
- DVConnect (24/7) – 1800 811 811
- 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
If you are in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
You deserve to feel safe. DVConnect is here to support you.
