Safe at home: how to get a family violence intervention order (English)

Published 29 February 2024

About this booklet

This free booklet is for people who are experiencing family violence. It has information about things you can do to get protection and feel safer. It can help you understand your options.

This booklet has information on:

how to apply for a family violence intervention order
how to get ready for a court hearing
what happens at court
where to get help.

We have information on family violence in Arabic, Chinese and Vietnamese.

Important update

The Parentline phone service mentioned in this booklet is now closed. Visit the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing’s Parentline page for a list of other services you can contact.

Related resources

My safety tool

Plan for your safety and separation when experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence.

Family violence intervention order applications – for affected family members

Applying for a family violence intervention order

Find out how to apply, evidence you can use and what happens at court

Parenting arrangements, child contact and child support

How to make arrangements for the ongoing responsibilities of children if you are separating, including the financial support paid by parents to help with the costs of a child aged under 18.

Child protection

Find out about how children and young people are protected from harm, including child abuse, through child protection laws and get access to useful resources.

Updated 23 October 2025