How to apply for an intervention order in Victoria
In Victoria, you apply for an intervention order at your local Magistrates Court. Family Violence Intervention Orders (FVIOs) protect you from a family member, and Personal Safety Intervention Orders (PSIOs) protect you from a non-family member. You can apply in person, online via Online Magistrates Court, or through police. No filing fee applies.
The framework
Family Violence Intervention Orders are governed by the Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic). Personal Safety Intervention Orders are governed by the Personal Safety Intervention Orders Act 2010 (Vic). Both are made in the Magistrates Court of Victoria under the Magistrates Court Act 1989 (Vic).
The process
Identify the correct order type
Determine whether your matter is family violence (FVIO under the Family Violence Protection Act 2008) or non-family (PSIO under the Personal Safety Intervention Orders Act 2010). The definitions of "family member" are broad and include partners, ex-partners, relatives and household members.
Consider safety and urgent protection
If you are in immediate danger, call 000. Police can apply for a Family Violence Safety Notice (FVSN) which acts as an interim order until the first court date, under section 24 of the Family Violence Protection Act 2008.
Decide where to apply
You can apply at any Magistrates Court of Victoria, but it is usually best to apply at the court closest to where you or the respondent live. Specialist Family Violence Courts operate at several locations.
Complete the application form
Complete the Application for an Intervention Order form. Provide details of the respondent, the incidents (dates, locations, what happened), and the conditions you are seeking. The court registrar can assist with the form.
Lodge the application at the registry
Lodge the completed application at the Magistrates Court registry. A registrar will review it and book a first hearing date, often the same day for urgent matters. No filing fee applies for intervention orders.
Attend the interim hearing
At the first mention, a magistrate may make an interim intervention order if there is a risk to your safety pending a final hearing. Interim orders take effect once served on the respondent.
Arrange service on the respondent
Victoria Police serve intervention orders on the respondent free of charge. The order is not enforceable until it has been personally served.
Prepare for the contested hearing
If the respondent contests the order, the matter is set for a contested hearing. Gather evidence: text messages, photos, medical records, witness statements. You can seek legal aid, a duty lawyer, or a family violence support worker.
Attend the final hearing
At the final hearing, both sides can give evidence and call witnesses. The magistrate decides whether to make a final intervention order and on what conditions, applying the test under the Family Violence Protection Act 2008 or Personal Safety Intervention Orders Act 2010.
Understand the final order and breach process
A final order typically lasts 12 months but can be longer. Breaching an intervention order is a criminal offence under section 123 of the Family Violence Protection Act 2008. Call police immediately to report any breach.
Forms and templates
- Application for an Intervention Order
- Family Violence Safety Notice (police issued)
Common mistakes
- Applying for the wrong order type (FVIO vs PSIO)
- Not providing specific dates and details of incidents
- Asking for conditions the court cannot grant under the Act
- Not reporting breaches to police immediately
- Missing the final hearing date
Get this process right with Quillio
Quillio can help you draft the narrative of incidents for your application, organise evidence chronologically, and prepare a statement for court. See /practice-areas/family-lawyers or start a free trial.
This guide is general information about the process — not legal advice. Intervention order matters can be complex. Contact Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 or Victoria Legal Aid for free confidential advice.
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