Quick answer
Frightened of a partner, ex-partner or family member in NSW? This video explains, in plain English, the two ways to get an apprehended domestic violence order (ADVO) - asking the police to apply (with a provisional order for urgent protection) or making your own private application at the Local Court - plus who the order covers, what it costs (nothing), and the evidence that wins orders.
What this video covers
- Introduction (0:00)
- Need protection from someone close? (0:04)
- In danger now - who to call (0:22)
- Door one - ask the police (0:40)
- Provisional orders - protection within hours (1:00)
- Door two - apply yourself (1:17)
- Who the order covers (1:38)
- Evidence wins orders (1:57)
- Free help, any hour - 1800 577 015 (2:19)
Transcript
If you are frightened of a partner, an ex partner or someone in your family, New South Wales has a legal shield for you. It is called an apprehended domestic violence order. Getting one is free, and in the next three minutes we will show you exactly how. Before anything else. If you are in danger right now, stop watching and call triple zero. For everything that is not an emergency, the domestic violence line can talk through your options at any hour. That number is on your screen. There are two doors to an order, and most people go through the first. The police. Tell them what has been happening.
If they believe you need protection, they apply for the order, and a police prosecutor runs the whole case for you. It costs nothing. And if the danger is immediate, the police do not have to wait for a court date. They can ask for a provisional order, which can protect you within hours before the case ever reaches a courtroom. It works from the moment it is handed to the other person. The second door is a private application. If the police decide not to apply, that is not the end of it. You can go to your nearest local court registry and start the application yourself.
There is no filing fee though you will run your own case, so get legal advice first. Who counts as close to home? Partners and ex partners, of course. But also relatives, people who live in your household, and your carer. If the person is a neighbor or a stranger instead, there is a different order for that, and we have a separate video on it. One last thing. Start keeping evidence now. Save the messages, photograph the damage, write down dates while they are fresh. The stronger the record, the stronger the application.
And if you would like a lawyer to walk you through it first, our hotline is free to call, any hour.
Official sources
Sources checked 3 September 2026.
Important
This video provides general legal information for New South Wales. It is not legal advice and does not take account of your circumstances. Laws and court processes change. For advice about your situation, speak with a qualified lawyer.