Intervention Order Law

Intervention Orders (IVOs) in Victoria are designed to protect individuals from violence, harassment, and threatening behaviour. These orders are primarily governed by the Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic) and the Personal Safety Intervention Orders Act 2010 (Vic), which apply in different circumstances depending on whether the parties involved are family members or unrelated individuals.

In Victoria, most IVO matters are initiated in the Magistrates’ Court. Applications can be made by police or directly by the affected person, often with little notice and sometimes without the respondent being present. Interim orders can be granted swiftly, and the imposed conditions can significantly impact a person’s movement, communication, and daily life. Breaching an IVO is considered a criminal offence and can lead to serious repercussions, even in cases where the underlying dispute is minor or misunderstood.

Navigating an IVO matter requires a thorough understanding of the legal process, including responding to an application, negotiating conditions, preparing evidence, and attending mention hearings, directions hearings or contested hearings. For applicants, the priority is safety and ensuring the order reflects the risk appropriately. For respondents, the focus is on carefully addressing the allegations, avoiding unnecessary admissions, and safeguarding future employment, family arrangements, and criminal records.

At Corner Legal, we handle IVO matters with precision, empathy, and strategic clarity. Whether you are seeking protection under the Family Violence Protection Act or responding to an application under the Personal Safety Intervention Orders Act, we guide you through every stage of the process, explain your options in plain English, and work towards achieving an outcome that protects your rights and your future.

The hearings that we attend include:

- Application for an IVO

- First mentions

- Directions Hearing

- Contested Hearing

- IVO Appeals