My ex-partner is violent and I need protection. What orders can I get?

What the Law Says

Each Australian state and territory has its own legislation governing protection orders for people experiencing domestic or family violence. These orders are civil (not criminal) but breach carries serious penalties, including imprisonment.

In New South Wales, you can apply for an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) under the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007. This order can stop your ex-partner from assaulting, threatening, stalking, or intimidating you — and may include conditions like staying away from your home or workplace.

In Victoria, the Family Violence Protection Act 2008 allows for a Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO), which can include prohibitions on contact, communication, or coming near you or your children.

In Queensland, the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 enables a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) that restrains the respondent from committing domestic violence and may include additional safety conditions.

All orders can be made urgently — courts can issue interim (temporary) orders immediately, even without the respondent present, if there’s an immediate risk of harm.

Statutory Text

The court may make a domestic violence order if it is satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the person has committed domestic violence and is likely to do so again.

— Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld), s. 37 — Grounds for making a domestic violence order

Statutory Text

An apprehended domestic violence order is an order made by a court to protect a person from domestic violence by another person.

— Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 (NSW), s. 1 — Interpretation

Statutory Text

The purpose of this Act is to maximise the safety, wellbeing and autonomy of people who experience family violence.

— Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic), s. 1A — Purpose

What to Do

Sources