A Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO) is a court order that is granted by the Magistrates’ Court to protect a person from a family member who is perpetrating family violence. A FVIO is designed to keep a people safe by setting conditions to stop a family member from behaving in certain way.
Family violence includes emotional, psychological, physical, sexual and financial abuse. Family violence also includes controlling behaviour and/or behaviour that makes a family member fear for their safety.
How can you apply for a Family Violence Intervention Order
There are two ways you can obtain for FVIO:
- Attend your local Magistrates’ Court in Victoria; or
- Victoria Police can make an application for your protection in the event they hold concerns.
It is not uncommon for children to be named as protected persons on a FVIO if a child witnesses or is exposed to family violence – even if the behaviour has not been directed towards the children.
What happens if a Family Violence Intervention Order is breaching
A FVIO is a civil matter. However, if the conditions of a FVIO are broken, the respondent can be charged with a criminal offence. This is often referred to as breaching a FVIO.