Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs)

AVOs are orders that a court makes to protect people. AVOs protect people by ordering a person known as the 'defendant' not to assault, threaten, stalk, harass, intimidate or destroy property of the protected person for a specific period of time.

AVOs can also have additional orders. For example, orders can be made which prohibit the defendant from contacting the protected person or going within a certain distance of the protected person's home or work.

An Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) is an AVO made for the protection of an alleged victim in a domestic or family violence matter. An ADVO operates nationally, and defendants are required to comply with the order across Australia.

An Apprehended Personal Violence Order (APVO) is an AVO made for the protection of an alleged victim who is not and has never been in a domestic relationship with the defendant. If the protected person moves to another Australian state or territory they can register the APVO with a court in that state or territory. The APVO will then continue to provide protection for them.

AVOs can be filed with the Court by the person who wishes for protection, or by the Police on the protected person’s behalf.

AVOs do not give defendants a criminal record. The defendant is not allowed to keep any firearms, or to hold a firearms licence for 10 years after the AVO ends, unless the AVO is revoked by the Court.

You can read more about AVOs on the Legal Aid website, click here.