AVO meaning in Australia can only refer to one thing: Apprehended Violence Orders (AVO). If you found this page, you must be in dire need of help. If you are experiencing domestic violence and you are in danger, call 000 immediately. However, if you want to take your case to court, seek the help of a family lawyer specialising in domestic violence. Other resources are also listed at the end of this article.
AVOs are court orders that provide protection to a person or a group of people against further violence, harassment, or intimidation. If you are a person who is in need of protection (PINOP) from someone, you should read about AVO meaning and process to apply for the same.
What’s the purpose of AVOs? These court-ordered apprehended violence orders prevent the defendant from:
- stalking
- harassing
- molesting
- intimidating, or
- assaulting
the applicant. Moreover, when reading up on AVO meaning, you should also know that the court can include other orders within an AVO. For example, the court may prevent the defendant from contacting the protected person, or preventing them from going within a certain distance of the person. Additionally, they will not be allowed to damage or destroy property that belongs to the PINOP.
AVO Meaning: Types of Violence Orders
There are two types of AVOs:
- Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVOs)
- Apprehended Personal Violence Order (APVOs)
How do these two types of AVOs vary? An ADVO is appropriate if there is a domestic relationship between the person in need of protection and the defendant. On the other hand, APVOs are applicable in situations where there is no domestic relationship or intimate relationship between the PINOP and the defendant. For example, if the defendant is a neighbor, mutual friend, colleague, or someone you don’t know.
For a more comprehensive discussion on these violence orders and domestic violence, check out the fact sheet below.
To view other fact sheets, click here.
How To Make an AVO Application?
For help and advice in applying for an AVO, these are your options:
- Seek the assistance of a lawyer.
- Call police on triple 000 or the non-emergency phone line 131 444.
- Visit your local police station.
- Contact your local court.
Having a lawyer at your disposal will ensure that you will make informed decisions in relation to your AVO application. Thus, although not required by law, it’s always a smart move to get the advice of a lawyer. Moreover, your lawyer can also advice you as to which kind of AVO you should get.
Private application: when you apply for an AVO yourself through your local court.
Police application: If the police think that the PINOP is in need of urgent protection, they can take a provisional AVO to provide protection until the court hearing date. Additionally, the NSW police force has domestic violence liaison officers who are professionals specially trained in dealing with domestic abuse and child protection matters.
AVO Meaning: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the frequently asked questions about AVO meaning:
Q1. What is an AVO in Australia?
A: As we have explained above, an AVO is a legal order issued by a court to protect a person from violence, threats, harassment, or intimidation.
Q2. Who can apply for an AVO in Australia?
A: Anyone who feels unsafe due to the behaviour of another person can apply for an AVO. Specifically, this includes family members, current or former intimate partners, and even neighbours.
Q3. What types of AVOs are there in Australia?
In Australia, there are two main types of AVOs: Domestic AVOs (related to domestic relationships) and Personal AVOs (related to non-domestic situations).
Q4. How do I apply for an AVO in Australia?
A: To apply for an AVO, you typically need to visit your local police station or courthouse and request the necessary forms. You’ll then need to fill out the application and provide evidence of the alleged behaviour.
Q5. What happens after I apply for an AVO?
A: Once you apply, a court hearing will be scheduled. Both parties will have the opportunity to present their evidence and arguments. The court will then decide whether to grant or deny the AVO.
Q6. What conditions can be included in an AVO in Australia?
A: Conditions in an AVO can vary but often include orders to refrain from approaching or contacting the protected person, staying away from their residence or workplace, and not possessing firearms.
Q7. Can an AVO be challenged or revoked in Australia?
A: Yes, if someone believes an AVO has been unfairly issued against them, they can apply to the court to have it revoked or varied.
Q8. What are the penalties for breaching an AVO in Australia?
A: Breaching an AVO can result in criminal charges, which may lead to fines or imprisonment.
Q9. How long does an AVO last in Australia?
A: The duration of an AVO can vary depending on the circumstances and the court’s decision. It can be in place for a specified period or indefinitely.
Q10. Can I get legal assistance for AVO matters in Australia?
A: Yes, you can seek legal advice and representation for AVO matters. We do recommend consulting with a lawyer to understand your rights and options.
Breaching AVOs
What happens if you breach an AVO? An AVO is a court order which means that there will be serious consequences if you breach one. In serious cases, this can result in an arrest by the police of the defendant who breaches the AVO. Moreover, they can face an imprisonment period of 2 years. Parties can also expect to receive a fine of around 5,500 AUD for the offence of breaching an AVO.
However, in some situations, the defendant may have valid legal defences against the charge of breaching an AVO:
- The accused is able to prove that they were not aware of the AVO against them;
- If they breached it under duress wherein someone has reasonably forced to commit an act that led to the breach of conditions;
- It may be possible that they have accidentally breached the AVO, i.e. if they have unknowingly breached the conditions.
Example Scenario
Let’s suppose that there is an AVO against Glossy. One of the conditions of the AVO is that Glossy must not enter the same premises where Roland (the protected person) is. Roland visits the golf club on a given day, and Glossy also happens to be there.
In this case, Glossy is unaware that Roland will be in the golf club. Therefore, she has not knowingly breached the conditions of the AVO.
Domestic Violence Resources
Here’s a list of resources that might help:
| NSW Domestic Violence Line | 1800 65 64 63 |
| 1800RESPECT | 1800 73 77 32 |
| Lifeline Australia | 13 11 14 |
| Kids Helpline | 1800 55 18 00 |
| Domestic Violence Legal Advice Line | 1800 810 784 |
| Women’s Legal Contact Line | 1800 801 501 |
| Access Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services | 1800 938 227 |
How Family Lawyers From JB Solicitors Can Help
Our Sydney family lawyers and Melbourne family lawyers have extensive experience in dealing with domestic violence cases within the context of family law. If you already have a court date, it is best to seek legal representation as soon as possible.
We can assist you with a variety of matters, including divorce and separation, property settlement, domestic and family violence, child custody, and Wills and estate planning.
For more information, do not hesitate to contact our team today. We can also provide online consultations if you are outside NSW or Victoria. If you face domestic and personal violence, this is a serious issue and a criminal offence.
Contact us for more enquiries related to domestic or family violence.
Last updated: 27 January 2025
