How to Apply for a Family Violence Order in the ACT | FVO Guide

Transcript

Canberra keeps it compact. One courthouse handles every family violence order in the capital territory, and if danger arrives at midnight on a public holiday, protection does not wait for opening hours. Here is how applying works, day or night. The rule before every other rule. If you are in danger right now, call triple zero. For support around the clock, Canberra's own crisis service and the national line are both on your screen, and both will pick up. During business hours, applications are made at the magistrate's court on Knowles Place in the city.

The forms are on the court website, there are no court fees, and a dedicated family violence unit at the court handles these matters every working day. Outside those hours, the safety net holds. Call the police and they can apply for an after hours family violence order on your behalf, at night, on weekends, on public holidays. If you are in immediate danger, that call is triple zero every time. After you apply, the court can make an interim order quickly to cover you. The case then moves through a conference stage where the two sides are kept in separate rooms before any final hearing.

You will not be left face to face. Family violence orders protect you from partners, former partners and family members. If the person is a neighbour, a colleague or a stranger, the capital uses a personal protection order instead and our separate video walks through that one. Give your application its best chance. Save the messages, photograph what happened, and note dates while they are fresh. If you would like a lawyer to prepare it with you, our hotline is free to call any hour of the day or night.