How to apply for a protection order in WA
In Western Australia, victims of family violence can apply for a family violence restraining order (FVRO) through the Magistrates Court under the Restraining Orders Act 1997 (WA). Interim orders can be granted urgently without the respondent being present. A final FVRO can last up to two years or longer.
The framework
Protection orders in WA are governed by the Restraining Orders Act 1997 (WA). Family violence is defined broadly to include physical, emotional, psychological, and economic abuse.
The process
Assess your safety
If you are in immediate danger, call 000. Contact the WA Police or a family violence service for safety planning and support.
Decide the type of order needed
Determine whether you need a family violence restraining order (FVRO) or a violence restraining order (VRO) for non-family matters.
Complete the application form
Fill out the Application for a Family Violence Restraining Order form, available from the Magistrates Court or online.
Provide a supporting affidavit
Prepare a sworn statement describing the incidents of family violence, the dates, any witnesses, and why you fear further violence.
File the application at the Magistrates Court
Lodge the application and supporting documents at the nearest Magistrates Court registry. There is no filing fee for FVROs.
Request an interim order if urgent
If the matter is urgent, ask the court to grant an interim FVRO immediately. The court can grant an interim order without the respondent being notified.
Serve the respondent
The court will arrange for the respondent to be served with the application and any interim order, usually through WA Police.
Attend the final hearing
Attend the court hearing where both parties can present evidence. The Magistrate will decide whether to grant a final FVRO.
Receive the final order
If granted, the final FVRO will specify the conditions (e.g. no contact, exclusion from the home) and the duration of the order.
Report any breaches
If the respondent breaches the FVRO, report it to WA Police immediately. Breaching a restraining order is a criminal offence in WA.
Forms and templates
- Application for Family Violence Restraining Order
- Supporting Affidavit
Common mistakes
- Not seeking an interim order when the situation is urgent
- Providing insufficient detail in the supporting affidavit
- Not attending the final hearing — the application may be dismissed
- Contacting the respondent after the order is made, which can complicate enforcement
- Not reporting breaches to police promptly
Get this process right with Quillio
Quillio helps draft restraining order applications, supporting affidavits, and hearing preparation documents for WA family violence matters. See /practice-areas/family-lawyers or start a free trial.
This guide is general information about protection orders in WA — not legal advice. If you are in immediate danger, call 000. Consider obtaining advice specific to your situation.
Get this right the first time.
Quillio drafts the forms, checks against current requirements, and surfaces the relevant authority — all in one place. The free trial requires no credit card.
Start your free trial