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Intervention orders

An intervention order is made by a magistrate. It has conditions to stop a person behaving in a way that makes another person feel unsafe.

A person can get a:

  • family violence intervention order to protect them a family member who is using family violence
  • personal safety intervention order to protect them from assault, sexual assault, harassment, property damage or interference with property, stalking and serious threats.

The two types of intervention orders are:

  • an interim order – a short-term order made until a magistrate can hear all the evidence and make a final decision 
  • a final order – a longer-term order made if a magistrate believes a person needs protecting.

See ‘When an intervention order is made’ (link below).

To get an intervention order, you need to apply at the Magistrates’ Court. If a person is under 18, the case may be heard in the Children’s Court. See ‘Applying for an intervention order’ (link below).

An intervention order is a civil order. However, breaking an intervention order is a criminal offence. See ‘Breaking an intervention order’ (link below).

Get legal advice before going to court

Victoria Legal Aid or your local community legal centre can help you with free information and advice about family violence. A lawyer can:

  • help you apply for an intervention order 
  • explain the law and your options
  • help you prepare for the hearing 
  • speak for you at court 
  • help you understand what an order means
  • help sort out any other family law issues.

For more information see 'How we can help' (below).

Legal words

A person who needs protecting is called the affected family member (family violence) or the affected person (stalking).

A person who makes the application is called the applicant. This can be the person who needs to be protected. It may also be a person applying on their behalf, for example, a police officer or a parent.

A person who the application, family violence safety notice or intervention order is against is called the respondent.

More information

Family violence intervention orders

Personal safety intervention orders

How to get an intervention order

If an application has been made against you

Going to court for an intervention order hearing

Related publications

Family violence intervention order publications

How we can help

Call Legal Help for free information over the phone about the law and how we can help you with your legal problem. You can speak to a legal information officer in English or ask for an interpreter.

Phone (03) 9269 0120 or 1800 677 402 (country callers), Monday to Friday from 8.45 am to 5.15 pm.

Our other free legal services include:

  • advice at our offices and other locations across Victoria
  • lawyers who are on ‘duty’ at the Magistrates’ Courts who can give you advice on the day of your hearing.

For some matters, we can provide you with a lawyer to help you run your case.

To find out more about any of our legal services see What we do.

Who else can help?

If you are in danger, call the police on ‘000’.

Your local community legal centre (CLC) can give you legal information and advice. Most CLC services are free. See the Community Law website for more information and CLC contact details.

See Getting help for details of organisations that can help with family violence, family dispute resolution and other support services.