Intervention

What are Intervention Orders?

Intervention Orders, also known as IVOs or AVOs, are court-issued directives designed to protect individuals from violence, threats, or harassment. These orders are a crucial legal tool in Victoria’s approach to preventing family violence and personal safety issues. They set out specific conditions that the respondent (the person the order is against) must follow to ensure the safety of the protected person(s).

Intervention Orders can prohibit or restrict certain behaviours, such as:

• Approaching the protected person
• Contacting the protected person through any means
• Attending specific locations (e.g., home, workplace, school)
• Damaging property
• Engaging in specific behaviours that may cause fear or distress

Types of intervention orders

• Family Violence Intervention Orders: For cases involving domestic or family violence.
• Personal Safety Intervention Orders: For cases outside of domestic or family settings.

Nature of Intervention Orders

Intervention Orders are civil orders designed to protect people’s safety. Key features include:

• While they are civil orders, breaching them is a criminal offence
• They are preventative in nature, aiming to stop violence or abuse before it occurs or escalates
• They can be tailored to specific situations and needs
• Both interim (temporary) and final orders can be issued
• They are legally binding, regardless of the wishes of the protected person

IVO Breaches

Breaching an Intervention Order is taken very seriously by Victorian courts and law enforcement. The penalties reflect the gravity of violating these protective orders:

Single Breach

• Maximum penalty: 2 years imprisonment or a substantial fine, or both
• The court may impose various sentences, including community correction orders, fines, or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach

Persistent Breach of Family Violence Intervention Order

• Maximum penalty: 5 years imprisonment or a substantial fine, or both
• This more severe penalty applies to repeated breaches, highlighting the serious view taken of ongoing violations in family violence situations

Additional consequences of breaching an IVO may include:

• Criminal record
• Impact on employment prospects
• Restrictions on working with children or vulnerable people
• Potential impact on family law proceedings
• Stricter conditions on future Intervention Orders