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An Apprehended Violence Order, or AVO, is essentially a civil order made by the NSW Local Courts to change someone's behaviour for the safety of another person. When someone feels threatened or has experienced violence or abuse from another individual, an AVO acts as a deterrent to the perpetrator and seeks to prevent further harm.
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Apprehended Violence Order – What is it & How does it Protect You? If you or someone in your family has experienced domestic violence, Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) will be incredibly helpful. AVOs are civil orders designed to protect individuals from violence or abuse by another person. They are governed by the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 and can be a powerful tool for victims of domestic or personal violence. This guide from AVO lawyers in Blacktown explains everything you need to know about AVOs. AVO – What Does it Mean? An Apprehended Violence Order, or AVO, is essentially a civil order made by the NSW Local Courts to change someone's behaviour for the safety of another person. When someone feels threatened or has experienced violence or abuse from another individual, an AVO acts as a deterrent to the perpetrator and seeks to prevent further harm. AVOs can have varying conditions which seek to address the specific concerns and safety needs of the person it seeks to protect. The conditions in AVOs are ordered after consideration of the facts and circumstances leading to the need for the AVO. Two Types of AVOs: There are mainly two kinds of AVOs: 1. Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) 2. Apprehended Personal Violence Order (APVO) Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO): ADVO applies to persons who are or were in a domestic relationship. In other words, it is used to protect you from a person that you have or had a relationship with or a
person who resides at the same domicile as you. They could be to protect from a family member, someone you're dating, or even a former partner. Apprehended Personal Violence Order (APVO): According to the AVO lawyers in Blacktown, APVO applies to people who are not in a domestic relationship. The affected persons could be neighbours, coworkers, or someone else. If there's no close relationship but there's still fear of violence or harassment, the court may issue an APVO to protect the person. Steps to Apply for an AVO: 1. Contact the Police: If you're in immediate danger, contacting the police is the fastest way to seek protection. They can apply for an AVO on your behalf and put measures in place for your safety. 2. Seek Legal Advice: In some instances, the Police will not apply for an AVO on the person’s behalf, in those circumstances it's highly recommended to consult with an AVO lawyer in Sydney. After reviewing the matter, they can approach the NSW Local Courts for an AVO. 3. Application to the Local Court: You can approach any NSW Local Court Registry, obtain an application for AVO. The Registry staff may also assist with any queries you may have. 4. File the Application: Submit your completed application to a local court. 5. Prepare your statements: Prepare your statement and any other statements that you wish to rely on in support of your application. 6. Attend the Court Dates: Attend all Court dates and comply with Court orders. Your lawyer can represent you, present your case, and advocate on your behalf at all Court dates. Hiring an AVO lawyer while recommended is not essential. If a person has concerns for their safety, their initial contact should always be with the NSW Police. The Police may decide to apply for an Apprehended Violence Order. Resource Box: The author is a criminal lawyer in Sydney working at a recognised law firm. He often writes articles relating to criminal law for several digital publications. Visit https://www.amalegal.com.au/
