We provide clear advice, guide you through the court process, prepare the necessary documentation, and represent you at hearings. Whether you need to apply for an order or respond to one, we act quickly and with compassion to safeguard your rights and interests.
What is a family violence intervention order?
A Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO) is a court order designed to protect you from someone who has used family violence. It sets conditions (rules) the person must follow, such as not contacting you, staying away from your home or workplace, or handing in weapons. Orders can also protect children and property.
There are two main types of FVIOs:
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Interim Orders – temporary protection until a final decision is made.
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Final Orders – longer-term protection if the court finds family violence has occurred and may occur again.
If the conditions of an order are breached, it is a serious criminal offence. The police can apply for an order on your behalf, and you can apply directly through the Magistrates’ Court or, if under 18, the Children’s Court.
Conditions on the application form
There are conditions on the application form that the applicant can ask to be included in the order. Examples include stopping the respondent from:
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using family violence against the protected person
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living in the same home as the protected person (called an exclusion order)
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intentionally damaging the protected person’s property or threatening to do so
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attempting to find or follow the protected person or keep them under surveillance
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publishing on the internet or by email or other electronic communication any material about the protected person
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contacting or communicating with the protected person
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approaching or remaining within a certain distance of the protected person
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going to or staying within a certain distance of where the protected person lives, works or attends school or childcare
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getting another person to do anything the respondent must not do under the order.