What is an AVO?

• An AVO or Apprehended Violence Order is an order by a NSW court which:
  • places restrictions on a person who has been violent or abusive and
  • can be tailored to meet the individual circumstances of each matter.
• An AVO orders the named person not to do certain things. It does not order the person who has been violent or abusive to do something such as attend counselling or an anger management course.
• There are two types of AVO in NSW.
  • Apprehended domestic violence orders are available to protect you against harassment, intimidation or violence by someone who is in a domestic relationship with you such as a partner, a relative or someone you live with.
  • Apprehended personal violence orders are available to protect you against harassment, intimidation or violence by someone who is not in a domestic relationship with you such as a colleague or a neighbour.
• All Australian states and territories have their own versions of Apprehended Violence Orders. They have different names and may have different application requirements.