How to Apply for an Intervention Order in South Australia

Transcript

South Australia protects people at two speeds tonight, through the police, and for the long run, through the court. If a partner, an ex partner, or a family member is making you unsafe, here is how an intervention order actually gets made. Safety outranks everything in this video. If you are in danger right now call triple zero for counselling and a safety plan. At any hour, the state's crisis line and the national line are both on your screen. Speed one is immediate. If police are called and the danger is real, a senior officer can issue an interim intervention order on the spot. No courtroom, no waiting list.

It starts the moment the other person is served, and it comes with a court date already attached. Speed two is the court. You, a lawyer, or the police can apply to the Magistrates' Court, and the forms are lodged through the court's online portal. Where domestic abuse is alleged, applying is free. At a first hearing, the court hears your side and can make an interim order. An interim order does not vanish it holds until the court confirms it, changes it or ends it at the final stage. If the other person does not challenge it, confirmation can happen quickly.

If they do challenge it, you will get a hearing, and your evidence will matter. South Australia keeps it simple. One kind of order covers every situation, but this video is about partners, ex partners and family. If your trouble is with a 'neighbour' or a stranger, the path differs a little, and our other video covers it. Before you begin, gather your record: messages, photos, medical notes, dates. Bring witnesses if you have them. And if you would like a lawyer to prepare the application with you, our hotline is free to call at any hour of the day or night.