A court of law can make rulings which will help protect you and your family from violence. This includes making a domestic and family violence order. If you are considering applying for this, our practitioners provide a free and confidential service to help you to understand and weigh up your options. If you choose to apply for a domestic and family violence order, we can guide you through the process and liaise with court staff on your behalf to ensure you get the best possible outcome for your family. If you ever feel unsafe at court, we’ll work with you to put in place a plan that helps you feel more secure.
If you are experiencing domestic and family violence and are pursuing legal action, we will support you to navigate and understand the court system.
Find out more
If you are experiencing domestic and family violence and are pursuing legal action, we will support you to navigate and understand the court system.
Find out more
If you are experiencing domestic and family violence and are pursuing legal action, we will support you to navigate and understand the court system.
Find out more
If you are experiencing domestic and family violence and are pursuing legal action, we will support you to navigate and understand the court system.
Find out more
A domestic and family violence order (DVO) is made by a magistrate in court to protect people in domestic and family violence situations. There are two types of DVOs – a protection order and a temporary protection order. Most protection orders last for five years, but the order can be made for a shorter period or extended if the court feels it’s appropriate.
A DVO sets out rules that the ‘respondent’ (the person who has committed domestic and family violence) must obey. It is designed to keep the ‘aggrieved’ (the person who has experienced violence against them) safe by making it illegal for the respondent to behave in specific ways.
Every DVO includes a standard condition that the respondent must be of good behaviour and not commit domestic and family violence against the aggrieved or any other person named on the order, including children, relatives or friends.
A DVO is a civil court order so if one is placed against someone, it will not appear on their criminal history. However, it is a criminal offence to deliberately ignore or contravene the conditions of an order, and this will appear on their criminal history.
We understand that attending court can make you feel anxious and even afraid. Our free and confidential counselling service offers a safe and caring space for you to talk about your feelings and get the emotional support you need.