How to apply for a protection order in the ACT
In the ACT, victims of family violence can apply for a family violence order (FVO) under the Family Violence Act 2016 (ACT) through the ACT Magistrates Court. The court can grant interim orders urgently without the respondent present. Final orders can last up to two years.
The framework
Family violence orders in the ACT are governed by the Family Violence Act 2016 (ACT).
The process
Assess your immediate safety
If you are in immediate danger, call 000. Contact ACT Policing or the Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS) on 02 6280 0900 for support.
Report to ACT Policing (if applicable)
ACT Police can issue a family violence order on your behalf in urgent situations and can apply for an interim order.
Complete the application form
If applying privately, complete the Application for a Family Violence Order form from the ACT Magistrates Court.
Prepare a supporting affidavit
Draft a sworn statement describing the family violence, specific incidents, dates, any injuries, and why you fear further violence.
File the application at the Magistrates Court
Lodge the application and supporting documents at the ACT Magistrates Court registry. There is no filing fee for FVO applications.
Request an interim order if urgent
If you need immediate protection, ask the court to grant an interim family violence order. This can be done without the respondent being notified.
Serve the respondent
The respondent must be served with the application and any interim order. ACT Policing typically handles service.
Attend the final hearing
Both parties attend the hearing at the ACT Magistrates Court. Present evidence and submissions. The Magistrate will make a determination.
Receive the final order
If granted, the FVO will specify conditions such as no contact, exclusion from the home, and the duration (up to 2 years, with the option to extend).
Report any breaches
If the respondent breaches the FVO, report it to ACT Policing immediately. Breaching a family violence order is a criminal offence under the Family Violence Act.
Common mistakes
- Not seeking an interim order when the situation is urgent
- Providing insufficient detail in the affidavit about specific incidents
- Not attending the final hearing — the application may be struck out
- Contacting the respondent while the order is in place
- Not keeping a copy of the order with you at all times for enforcement
Get this process right with Quillio
Quillio helps draft family violence order applications, affidavits, and hearing preparation materials for ACT matters. See /practice-areas/family-lawyers or start a free trial.
This guide is general information about family violence orders in the ACT — not legal advice. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
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