Family violence orders

What is a family violence order?

A family violence order is a state or territory order to protect you and your children from violence. Family violence orders are called different things in different states:

  • Apprehended domestic violence order — NSW
  • Intervention orders — VIC
  • Protection orders — QLD & ACT
  • Restraining orders — NT, SA & WA
  • Restraint orders — TAS

How to apply for a family violence order

You can apply to your local court for a violence order or in an emergency the police can do this for you. Both dads or mums can apply for a violence order if there is abuse or violence. You can ask that your children be included as protected persons on your family violence order. Children over 16 years old can make their own application for a family violence order.

A family violence order can prevent the person from assaulting or harassing you or your children, and prevent them from:

  • going into your family home,
  • living in the family home,
  • removing the children from the state/territory or from Australia, and
  • selling or damaging property.

Family violence orders can only be changed by the court. If you want any of the conditions changed or deleted you will need to apply to the court.

Where to apply for family violence orders