Direct answer
An AVO is an Apprehended Violence Order — a court order made to protect someone who fears violence, intimidation, stalking or harassment. This video explains, in plain English, what an AVO actually is, the difference between an ADVO and an APVO, the conditions that come with one, and what your options are if an AVO has been taken out against you.
Video chapters
- 0:00 Introduction
- 0:04 What is an AVO?
- 0:13 AVO meaning — the definition
- 0:23 A civil order, not a criminal charge
- 0:34 Why breaching one is a criminal offence
- 0:42 ADVO vs APVO — the two types
- 0:56 The three standard conditions
- 1:08 Conditions a court can add
- 1:16 Your three options if one is made against you
- 1:29 Firearms, Working With Children Check and family law
- 1:39 Where to get advice
What to do
- Read every condition: Follow the order exactly, including any no-contact or exclusion conditions, even if you disagree with it.
- Record the dates: Note the first court date and any deadline shown on the application or interim order.
- Preserve evidence: Keep messages, call records, photographs and a private chronology; do not post about the matter online.
- Get advice before court: Take the full paperwork to a NSW lawyer before consenting, proposing an undertaking or defending the application.
Transcript
If you've been served with an AVO, the paperwork can be frightening. Here is what an AVO actually is in plain English. An AVO is an apprehended violence order. It's an order made by a court to protect someone who fears violence, intimidation, stalking, or harassment. Here's the part most people get wrong. An AVO is a civil order, not a criminal charge. On its own, it does not give you a criminal record. But breaching one is a criminal offence. In New South Wales, that carries up to 2 years in prison, a fine, or both.
There are two kinds. An ADVO covers family, partners, and people who share a household. An APVO covers everyone else, neighbours, co-workers, acquaintances. Every AVO carries three standard conditions. Not to assault or threaten the protected person. Not to stalk, harass, or intimidate them. And not to damage their property. A court can add more. Staying away from their home or workplace or stopping contact altogether.
If one has been taken out against you, you have three choices. Consent to it without admitting anything. Offer an undertaking, which is a promise to the court, or defend it at a hearing. It is worth getting this right. An AVO can affect your firearms licence, your Working With Children Check, and any family law case you are involved in. Talk to a lawyer before your first court date. The Go To Court legal hotline is open 24 hours a day.
Official sources
Sources checked 4 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.