An Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) is a Court Order prohibiting a person from unwanted behaviour towards and any further Orders the Court deems necessary.

ADVO or APVO

There are two types of AVO’s, commonly known as:

• Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs)
• Apprehended Personal Violence Orders (APVOs)

Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs) are made when a domestic relationship exists between the victim and the defendant.

Apprehended Personal Violence Orders (APVOs) are made to protect a person from a defendant when there is no domestic relationship such as work colleagues or neighbours.

Defending an AVO

You are entitled to defend an AVO application. We can advise you on your prospects of defending an application and appear for you at Court.

A defended AVO will be set down for a hearing at a later date. It is likely that a temporary or “interim” AVO will be made in support of the application to maintain the status quo until the formal hearing of the matter arrives.

It is important when defending an AVO that you are represented by a lawyer with in-depth knowledge of the practice and procedure in this area of law, as well as a practical experience in dealing with the police and court system generally. We know the Court system like the back of our hand.

We regularly appear for Defendants/and Applicants in need of protection/advancement in AVO applications.

Do I obtain a criminal record?

AVO’s are not considered to be criminal charges; however breaching an AVO is a criminal offence.

The making of a final Order for instance might have serious consequences. If a final Order is made, a defendant may not be able to work with children and will have his or her Firearm Licence revoked. There are other jeopardies.

Breaching an AVO

Breaching an AVO (interim or final order) is considered a serious criminal offence. If you are found guilty or plead guilty to breaching an AVO with violence you may face a serious penalty, including a possible term of imprisonment.

If you are involved in an AVO or a domestic violence dispute and need the help of a lawyer, contact us on 1300 1710 898 for a confidential discussion or use our home page online contact/enquiry form we will contact you as soon as possible.