Intervention orders (commonly referred to as IVOs or AVOs) serve the purpose of protecting individuals from violence, harassment and stalking. These orders can be sought both by those experiencing such actions themselves (known as Protected Persons or affected family members) as well as the police.

Criminal lawyers can be indispensable when defending an intervention order application, since many individuals who breach an order they could have successfully challenged end up facing criminal charges that might otherwise have been avoided.
Obtaining an intervention order

Intervention orders lawyers Melbourne can provide protection from family violence and other forms of harassment, both mental and physical harm, while helping you feel safe in daily life. Intervention orders can also be used to restrict someone's behavior - for instance stopping them from entering your property.

To apply for an intervention order, you will need to attend the Magistrates Court and provide details of any violence or threats you have experienced. A registrar will then interview you about what has taken place.

If a registrar believes you are at immediate risk, they may issue an interim order that will remain in force until your case has been heard by a judge and then decided whether to make a final intervention order that restricts or terminates prohibited behavior or family violence that you experienced. They may also set conditions on this final order that restrict it further - this can help ensure its implementation is as desired.
Defending an intervention order

An intervention order offers many advantages to those seeking protection, including legal protection from physical contact between an aggressor and their victim, restrictions on where respondent can travel to, which events they attend and even banning their use of social media.

Typically, an application will be submitted by police or family violence practitioners on behalf of family members who suspect abuse; if the court deems there is probable cause, an interim intervention order or personal safety order will likely be granted by them.

Respondents will have an opportunity to either agree with (consent to) or contest (dispute) the order. If they choose not to comply, a hearing date will be set where a magistrate will hear testimony from both sides before making their final ruling on it. Keep in mind that even though an intervention order is technically civil in nature, any violations to its conditions could constitute criminal violations.
Obtaining an extension of an intervention order

If you're concerned for your own or the safety of family members, an intervention order could be the perfect solution. These court-issued restraining orders help protect victims of violence while keeping abusive individuals away from your property. Applicants for such orders can submit an interim personal safety or family violence intervention order (IVO) application at Magistrates Courts across Australia.

An interim IVO can provide immediate protection until a final court order has been made, however a judge must first be convinced there are sufficient grounds to issue such an order; this can be difficult, which is why it's essential to have legal advice to help achieve the best results.

Final orders may last for either a specified or indefinite period of time, and any violation could lead to arrest and charges for criminal violations by law enforcement.
Breaking an intervention order

An intervention order, also referred to as a restraining order, is issued by a Magistrates Court and prohibits certain behaviors including threats, stalking and physical abuse of others. Conditions attached such as not making contact or approaching within certain distance of them may also be included as protection measures in such an order. These orders provide victims of abusive relationships a sense of safety during dangerous situations.

Starting the process for an intervention order requires visiting your local Magistrates Court. A registrar will meet with you privately in a room and conduct an interview; they may ask about any violence or threats experienced, known as an interrogatory.

If the respondent agrees with the order, a magistrate will issue a final order that typically lasts 12 months. If not, an appointment date for a contested hearing will be set where both sides can present evidence against each other.