Disclaimer: The material in this print-out relates to the law as it applies in the state of Victoria. It is intended as a general guide only. Readers should not act on the basis of any material in this print-out without getting legal advice about their own particular situations. Victoria Legal Aid disclaims any liability howsoever caused to any person in respect of any action taken in reliance on the contents of the publication.

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Violence, abuse and personal safety

Find out about violent behaviour, including family violence intervention orders, abuse, child protection and personal safety.

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Family violence is physical, emotional or psychological behaviour that makes can cause you and others harm and make you others feel unsafe. This page provides links to information about family violence intervention orders for applicants, respondents and affected family members (you).

Sometimes you may experience harm from someone who is not a family member. Personal safety intervention orders are designed to protect you from this. Information about these is also available.

There is also information the role of our information and referral officers (IROs) in family violence matters. You may also like to find out about our Pre-Court Engagement Services for family violence matters.

For more help and support visit: Other support for violence, abuse and personal safety

Violent behaviour

Find about about violent behaviour, why it is an offence, and how it can carry very serious penalties.

Family violence and family violence intervention orders

Learn about family violence intervention orders. Family violence is harmful behaviour by a person that makes their family member unsafe or feel unsafe.

Applying for a family violence intervention order

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

Going to court for a family violence intervention order – affected family members

Find out how to prepare for a family violence intervention order hearing if you are the person who needs protection.

Going to court for a family violence intervention order – respondent

Find out how to prepare for a family violence intervention order hearing if you are a respondent (the person accused of family violence).

If you are a respondent in a family violence intervention order application

Find out what to do if you been accused of family violence or if a family violence intervention order application has been made against you

Children and family violence intervention orders

Find out how family violence intervention orders can help protect your kids, and what to do if your child is using violence.

When a family violence intervention order starts and ends

Find out when a family violence intervention order to starts, and what happens when it ends.

Breaching a family violence intervention order or safety notice

Find out what breaching an order means, why it is against the law, and what to do if you are either the respondent or protected person.

Change, extend, appeal or cancel a family violence intervention order

Find out how you may be able to appeal, change or extend your family violence intervention order or appeal the magistrate’s decision.

What the police can do about family violence

The role of Victoria Police in dealing with family violence.

Get a lawyer for hearings with cross-examination in the Federal Circuit and Family Court

Information about what to do if the Federal Circuit and Family Court says you cannot cross-examine someone in a hearing.

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.

Personal safety intervention orders

Find out how a personal safety intervention order protects you from someone who is not a family member, how to apply or respond to an order, and what happens at court.

Conditions in a personal safety intervention order

Personal safety intervention orders have conditions to stop the respondent assaulting, harassing, threatening and stalking another person.

When you can get a personal safety intervention order

You can get a personal safety intervention order if you have been assaulted, harassed, seriously threatened, stalked or your property has been damaged by a person who is not a family member.

Using mediation to sort out disputes

Mediation can be used to sort out your dispute instead of going to court to get a personal safety intervention order. It can be quicker and easier than going to court.

Other support for violence, abuse and personal safety

Learn where to get legal help and other support for violence, abuse and personal safety.

How information and referral officers can help with family violence matters

Information and referral officers give support and information to people going to court for a family violence matter.

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