Apprehended Violence Order (AVO)

Apprehended Violence Order (AVO)

Apprehended violence means fear of violence. When someone fears someone will be violent towards them, they can ask for protection from the court through an Apprehended Violence Order, or AVO.

In New South Wales, an AVO is an order made by a court designed to stop acts of violence, intimidation or harassment by one person towards another. An AVO usually states that a person must not assault, threaten, stalk, or intimidate or harass another person. An AVO may include other conditions.

Comparable terms in other jurisdictions: In South Australia and Victoria, an Intervention Order. In Queensland, it is a Domestic Violence Protection Order. In Western Australia, a Restraining Order. In the Northern Territory and ACT, Domestic Violence Order. In Tasmania, Family Violence Order.