Quick answer
In the Northern Territory a domestic violence order is free to get - and you don't have to be the one who asks: an adult you trust, a lawyer or the police can apply for you. This video covers the police path (officers can make orders without going to court), the Local Court civil registry application, what orders can say, and who they cover, including extended family.
What this video covers
- Introduction (0:00)
- You don't have to do this alone (0:04)
- In danger now - who to call (0:17)
- The police path - orders without court (0:32)
- The court path - free at the civil registry (0:48)
- What an order can do (1:04)
- Who the order covers (1:19)
- Start today (1:35)
- Free help, any hour - 1800 577 015 (1:50)
Transcript
In the Northern Territory, a domestic violence order is free to get, and you do not even have to be the one who asks. Someone you trust can start the application for you. Here is how protection actually gets put in place. First and always, if you are in danger right now, call triple zero. For counseling and safety planning at any hour, anywhere in the territory, the National Family Violence line is free, and the number is on your screen. The fastest shield is the police. In the territory, officers responding to domestic violence can make an order themselves without going to court first.
If you report what is happening, protection can be in place the same day, and breaching it is a criminal offense. For a court order, the application goes to the civil registry at the local court, and filing is free. Adults apply for themselves, young people can apply too, and for a child, a trusted adult, a lawyer, or the police can make the application instead. What can the order say? It can stop contact, keep the person away from where you live and work, and set whatever rules make you safe. Courts shape each order to the situation, so tell them everything that matters and bring your evidence with you.
Domestic violence orders cover partners, former partners, and family members, including extended family. If the person is a neighbor or a stranger instead, the territory uses a personal violence order for that, and our separate video explains it. However you start, do not wait to feel ready. Keep the messages, note the dates, and talk to someone today. Our hotline is free to call at any hour. And if you want a lawyer to prepare the application with you, we can arrange one quickly.
Official sources
Sources checked 3 September 2026.
Important
This video provides general legal information for Northern Territory. 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.