Apprehended Violence Orders

Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs) are legal orders made by the court which aim to protect individuals from violence, threats and harassment. There are two types of AVOs: domestic and personal AVOs (ADVOs and APVOs respectively). The relationship between the parties determines what kind of AVO is made.

• ADVOs protect individuals from violence, threats and harassment from a spouse, de facto partner, ex-partner, family member, carer or person living in the same household.
• APVOs protect individuals from violence, threats and harassment from anyone who they are not in a domestic or family relationship with.                                                                             

An ADVO breach occurs when the person bound by the AVO fails to comply with the conditions set out in the order. This can include contacting the protected person, going to their residence or workplace, or engaging in behavior that is prohibited by the AVO.