Former Bulldog and NRL star Hazem El Masri charged with assault and forced to respond to domestic violence allegations

There has been significant media attention on former Bulldogs player Hazem El Masri (“Hazem”) in recent weeks regarding an alleged incident that took place between Hazem and his estranged wife, Ms Douah El-Cherif. The reports indicate that Hazem has been charged with common assault and assault occasion bodily harm, charges that he will vigorously defend, and further that Ms El-Cherif has obtained an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (the NSW equivalent of a Temporary Protection Order) for her protection.

Interestingly, it would appear from the news reports, that Hazem’s first wife is openly supporting Hazem and is shocked by the claims of violence.

These recent media reports are a reminder that domestic violence affects a number of people in our community and is not discriminatory. In our experience at McLaughlins Lawyers, alleged perpetrators of domestic violence do not fit into a mould and cover a very broad cross-section of our community, including professionals.

At McLaughlins Lawyers we are experienced in dealing with domestic violence matters and regularly appear at the Southport Magistrates Court and other Magistrates Courts in Queensland.

In Queensland a person is able to apply to the Court, or in some circumstances the police will make the application on a person’s behalf, for a Temporary Protection Order for their immediate protection. A Temporary Protection Order will be granted if the Court is satisfied:-

  1. That a relevant relationship exists between the aggrieved and the respondent (an intimate personal relationship, a family relationship or an informal care relationship); and
  1. That the respondent has committed domestic or family violence against the aggrieved.

A Protection Order will be made on a final basis, the standard term being for two (2) years, if the court is satisfied:-

  1. That a relevant relationship exists between the aggrieved and the respondent (an intimate personal relationship, a family relationship or an informal care relationship);
  1. That the respondent has committed domestic or family violence against the aggrieved; and
  1. That a Protection Order is necessary or desirable to protect the aggrieved from domestic violence.

If you need a lawyer on the Gold Coast to assist with domestic violence and/or family law matters please contact our experienced team at McLaughlins Lawyers today on (07) 5591 5099.

Authors: Elise Foote & Nicole Fitzgibbon

Partner: Sophie Pearson

Date: 04/11/2015