More languages...
| (03) 9269 0120Melbourne | 1800 677 402Rural areas |  Locate us |
Family violence – ACT
Family violence includes physical violence, threats, emotional and psychological abuse and damaging property. Violent behaviour is unlawful and you can take action to stop it.
How the police can help
If you experience family violence, call the police on ‘000’.
The police have the power to:
- arrest the offender
- search for and remove weapons – if you tell them the offender has a gun they can remove it
- charge the offender with a criminal offence
- in emergencies, apply for a protection order on your behalf.
You can also get support from specialist domestic violence services. See ‘Services that can help’ (link below).
The Domestic Violence and Personal Protection Order Unit of Legal Aid (link below) provides legal advice and assistance to people who may require a protection order.
Court orders
You can apply at the ACT Magistrates Court for a domestic violence order, which is a protection order. Under the ACT's Domestic Violence and Protection Orders Act 2001, a domestic violence order can be made by a magistrate. Its purpose is to protect you and/or your children from family violence.
You can apply for an urgent interim (temporary) order or, in emergencies, the police can do this on your behalf. These orders are usually the cheapest and fastest to get.
You can apply to the Family Law Courts for an injunction as part of a family law case.
Legal Aid produces a pamphlet on protection orders.
More information
Parenting orders & family violence
Related publications
How to run your family law case
You and family law: a short guide