If you experience violence or fear violence in a domestic or family relationship you can apply for an order (including an urgent or temporary order) to help stop that violence. The police may also press charges against the person who is being violent.
Each Australian state has its own laws regarding violence orders and the name of these orders varies between states. Generally, a violence order is known as an Apprehended Violence Order or AVO. In South Australia and Victoria it is called an Intervention Order. In Queensland it is a Domestic Violence Protection Order, in Western Australia it is a Restraining Order, in Tasmania it is a Family Violence Order and in the Northern Territory and the ACT it is a Domestic Violence Order.
While the names differ, the processes in each state are similar. An AVO made in any state or territory of Australia can be registered for enforcement in any other state or territory if the need arises. You may be able to apply for another type of order for your protection if you are afraid of a person with whom you are not in a relationship.
