AVOs

Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs) & Domestic Violence (DV) Offences

AVOs are court orders that protect people. AVOs are made against a person to ensure they do not assault, molest, harass, intimidate or stalk the protected person for a specific period of time. The person in need of protection is known as the PINOP. The person served with the AVO is known as the DEFENDANT.

AVOs can also have additional terms. For example, orders can be made that prohibit the Defendant from contacting the PINOP, going within a certain distance of the PINOP’s home or work, or damaging the PINOP’s property.

AVOs are not criminal proceedings so do not result in a criminal record. But breaching an AVO is a criminal offence and carries a potential 2-year jail term and/or a fine of $5,500.

AVO applications can be made by the Police or by a PINOP privately.

AVO proceedings are frequently linked to Domestic Violence Offences, including the charges of Domestic Assault, Stalking and Intimidation. If you are found guilty of a Domestic Violence Offence, the court will automatically impose an AVO.

For more information, call Daniel Lewis direct.

AVO LINKS

FACTS SHEETS AND RESOURCES

http://www.localcourt.justice.nsw.gov.au/Pages/cases/avo_procedures.aspx

http://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/publications/factsheets-and-resources/apprehended-violence-orders-applicants

http://www.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au/Pages/representing/lawassist_avo/lawassist_avo.aspx

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/community_issues/domestic__and__family_violence/police_and_the_legal_response

http://www.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au/Pages/representing/lawassist_avo/lawassist_family_avo/lawassist_family_avo.aspx

AVO PRACTICE NOTE

http://www.localcourt.justice.nsw.gov.au/Documents/Practice%20Note%202%20of%202012%20-%20Domestic%20and%20Personal%20Voilence.pdf

LEGISLATION

http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/capva2007347/