What an ADVO, AVO or IVO actually is
It's an order made by a court to protect a person who fears for their safety because of domestic or family violence. That can cover physical abuse, verbal threats, stalking, emotional or financial abuse, and controlling behaviour.
The person being protected is the protected person (or applicant). The person the order is made against is the defendant (or respondent). The names change from state to state, but the structure is always the same.
- Not contacting the protected person
- Not going near their home, work or school
- Not threatening, assaulting or stalking them
Is an ADVO a criminal charge?
No. Having an order made against you is not a criminal conviction and doesn't, by itself, give you a criminal record. But breaching the order is a crime — you can be arrested and charged for it.
If violence was involved in the incident, police may also lay separate criminal charges such as assault, stalking or property damage, on top of the order.
Been accused of breaking an order? That's a separate criminal matter with its own penalties — see Breach of ADVO / AVO / IVO.
Who can apply for one
An order can be applied for by:
- The police, on behalf of a person at risk
- A person who fears for their own safety
- A parent or guardian, on behalf of a child
The court has to be satisfied that the person has reasonable grounds to fear domestic or family violence before it makes an order. In many states, police can put an urgent, temporary order in place immediately and the court confirms it later.
What it's called where you are
Same protection, different name and law in each state. Pick your state to see what the order is called, which court handles it, and the penalty for breaching it.
Related pages
This is general information, not legal advice. The names, laws and penalties for these orders vary by state, and every situation is different. If you need protection, or an order has been made against you, speak with a lawyer or your state's Legal Aid service. In an emergency, always call 000.
