CAS
Protection orders
- Protection orders are called different things depending on the state or territory you are in:
- Protection Orders (QLD)
- Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (NSW)
- Intervention Orders (VIC and SA)
- Family Violence Restraining Orders (WA)
- Family Violence Order (TAS)
- Domestic Violence Order (ACT and NT)
- A protection order is a legal order made to try to protect you from further violence and abuse
- There are many services that can offer you free information and advice on protection orders and how to apply for one if you decide to do so.
What is a protection order?
Some people experiencing violence choose to apply to the courts for a protection order. Protection orders are known by different names in each state and territory in Australia and the process of applying for one is also different.
The person applying for a protection order can request different conditions, depending on their own circumstances. Conditions are the things that the person using violence is not allowed to do to the person making the request.
This might include things like:
- Hurting or threatening to hurt them
- Damaging property or things they own
- Stalking or contacting them
- Coming to their home
- Being within 100 metres of them
A protection order is not a criminal charge, but it is against the law to break a protection order by doing any of the things listed in it.
How do I get a protection order?
If you would like to know how to apply for a protection order you can speak with a legal service that offers free advice. These services are listed in our Service directory and include organisations like Women's Legal Service or Legal Aid. In most cases, you can go to the police for a protection order or apply directly to the courts.
You may be worried about the way an abusive person will respond to a protection order and if that will put you at risk of more violence. For many reasons, some people also may not want to call the police if an order is broken. These are things that you can talk to support services about before you decide to take out an order. It is important to speak to someone who knows about protection orders in your state or territory before you make a decision to apply for one.
