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Apprehended Violence Orders (AVO)
Updated on Nov 07, 2022 • 5 min read • 1525 views • Copy Link
Apprehended Violence Orders (AVO)
If you experience violence or fear violence in a domestic or family relationship you can apply for an order (including an urgent or temporary order) to help stop that violence. The police may also press charges against the person who is being violent.
Each Australian state has its own laws regarding violence orders and the name of these orders varies between states. Generally, a violence order is known as an Apprehended Violence Order or AVO. In South Australia and Victoria it is called an Intervention Order. In Queensland it is a Domestic Violence Protection Order, in Western Australia it is a Restraining Order, in Tasmania it is a Family Violence Order and in the Northern Territory and the ACT it is a Domestic Violence Order.
While the names differ, the processes in each state are similar. An AVO made in any state or territory of Australia can be registered for enforcement in any other state or territory if the need arises. You may be able to apply for another type of order for your protection if you are afraid of a person with whom you are not in a relationship.
Who can apply for an AVO
You can apply for an AVO for protection if you are experiencing violence in a domestic or a family relationship. Depending on your state or territory, these relationships may include:
- an intimate personal relationship (e.g. spouses, partners and dating relationships)
- a family relationship (e.g. a sibling or parent)
- an informal care relationship (when a person is dependent on another for help in their daily living activities such as dressing and cooking)
- if you are an Aboriginal person or a Torres Strait Islander, a member of your kin or extended family (according to the Indigenous kinship system of your culture).
What is domestic or family violence
Domestic or family violence can include:
- sexual abuse
- physical abuse
- psychological/emotional abuse
- economic abuse
- stalking
- intimidation or harassment
- social abuse – including isolating you from family and friends, controlling what you do and where you go
- spiritual abuse – including not allowing you to have your own opinions about religion or cultural beliefs and values.
What is an AVO?
An AVO is usually made by a court, but in some instances the police can make an order. These orders are made with conditions designed to protect you from future abuse.
An AVO must be made for a fixed period of time. During that time, it will place restrictions on the behaviour of the person who is being violent or is threatening to be violent to you. They may also be required to leave your home or not come near your home or workplace.
In some states, a violent person who is the subject of an AVO can’t own a weapon or have a weapons licence, or may have their name removed from a lease. If there are Family Law Orders in place for custody of or contact with a child or children, the AVO must take into consideration the terms of those Family Law Orders
The process for an AVO
If you or anyone else is in immediate danger, call 000 straight away.
Otherwise, the first step is usually to ring the police and report the violent behaviour. They will be able to give you advice and may be able to make the application for an AVO on your behalf.
If you are fearful of immediate harm, you can apply for an urgent or interim AVO to protect you until your application is heard. If not, you can also apply for an order at a magistrates’ court or a local court, or in some states you may be able to get a lawyer or someone you trust to apply for you. You can usually include your children in the order. It’s a good idea to get legal advice.
When you’ve made an application for an AVO, you’ll be given a court date. At court, the person the application is against (the violent person) can either agree to the order, oppose it, or ask for another court date to give them time to get legal advice.
Breach of an AVO
If the person the AVO is against (the violent person) breaches a term of the order, you should ring the police who will investigate. Breaching an AVO is a criminal offence in every state and territory, and there may be other offences committed while breaching the order like assault or property damage.
Legislation
ACT – Domestic Violence and Protection Orders Act 2008
Northern Territory – Domestic and Family Violence Act
New South Wales – Crimes (Domestic & Personal Violence) Act 2007
Queensland – Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012
South Australia – Intervention Orders (Prevention of Abuse) Act 2009
Tasmania – Family Violence Act 2004
Victoria – Family Violence Protection Act 2008
Western Australia – Restraining Orders Act 1997
If you require legal advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact Go To Court Lawyers.
Michelle Makela
National Practice Manager
Michelle Makela is a Legal Practice Director at Go To Court Lawyers. She holds a Juris Doctor, a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) and a Master of Criminology. She was admitted to practice in 2006. Michelle has over 15 years experience in the legal industry, working across commercial litigation, criminal law, family law and estate planning.
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