Intervention Orders

 What is an Intervention Order?

 An Intervention Order (IVO) is a Court order made by a Magistrate, with the purpose of protecting the Applicant/Affected Family Member/Protected Person from someone who has committed either family violence, prohibited behaviour, and has caused for the Applicant to feel unsafe. Often, an Intervention Order will also be referred to as a restring order.

There are two types of IVO’s. These include:

 -      Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO) which protects the Applicant from a family member.

 -      Personal Safety Intervention Order (PSIO) which protects the Applicant from someone outside of their family.

What happens if you are the Respondent to an IVO?

When an Applicant applies for an IVO, they will have the chance to apply for an interim IVO before their matter is formally before the Court and, you, as the Respondent have been notified. An interim IVO has the same effect as a Final IVO.

IVO’s often have a range of conditions which you must abide by. These conditions may include restrictions on contacting the Applicant, going near them or their house and harassing, threatening, or intimidating them in any way. It is important that as the Respondent you comply with these conditions, as a breach will result in you being charged by the police. 

More information about intervention and restraining orders can be downloaded through our guides:

- PSIVO if you are the Respondent

- PSIVO if you are the Applicant

- FVIO summary

If you wish to file an application for either a FVIO or PSIO, or you are the Respondent to an application, give us a call to discuss further.