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Where am I now? Lawlink > Local Courts > Information for protected persons (Domestic Violence)
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Information for protected persons (Domestic Violence)
Information for protected persons (Domestic Violence) An application has been made for an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) to protect you from a person (called the defendant) because there are fears that the defendant may physically hurt you, or harass, intimidate, molest or stalk you.
What is an AVO?
AVOs are orders that a court makes to protect people. AVOs protect people by ordering defendants not to do specific things. AVOs can be made to last for as long as you need to be protected.
Do I need to go to court?
Yes. The application will be heard before a Magistrate in Court. The defendant will be given a copy of the application and a direction to attend court. The application notice briefly explains the reasons why the application has been made and lists the orders the court will be asked to make to protect you.
When do I go to court?
The application notice tells you the date, time and place when you should go to court. It is important that you arrive at the court 30 minutes prior to the hearing time to discuss your case with the Police Domestic Violence Liaison Officer (DVLO) or the Police Prosecutor.
Will I feel safe when I go to court?
Many courts provide safe waiting areas and have a Women's Domestic Violence Court Assistance Scheme (WDVCAS) to provide support for you at court. You may also bring a friend with you. Staff of the WDVCAS will also be available 30 minutes prior to the hearing time to assist you through the court process. Contact the local court office to see if there is a WDVCAS available to help you.
Who will represent me at court?
If you made the application, you may represent yourself at court or arrange legal representation through WDVCAS, the police, legal aid or by a solicitor.
For further information about legal representation available at your court contact your Local Court office, the local WDVCAS or LawAccess NSW.
If the application was made by the police, the police will arrange for the Police Prosecutor to represent you at court. The Police Domestic Violence Liaison Officer (DVLO) will be at court to assist you and the police prosecutor.
Do you need an interpreter?
Interpreters are provided free of charge for people seeking AVOs. If you need an interpreter at court please tell the court staff or the police so they can arrange one for you.
What happens at court?
If the defendant is at court, the defendant may agree or disagree with orders being made. If the defendant agrees with orders being made, the Magistrate may make the AVO on the same day.
If the defendant does not agree with orders being made, another court date will be set to decide the matter. In the meantime, an interim (temporary) AVO may be made to protect you.
If the defendant does not attend court, and the defendant received the application notice, the Magistrate may make the AVO without the defendant being there.
If an AVO or interim AVO is made, a copy of the orders will be given to you by court staff.
Where can I get more information?
- The Women's Domestic Violence Court Assistance Scheme (WDVCAS) offers general support and information, can refer you to other services in the community (for example, women's refuges) and can help you to obtain legal representation. Contact your Local Court to see if there is a WDVCAS available to help you.
- Police Domestic Violence Liaison Officer or Victim Support Officer at your local police station;
- NSW Police Service Customer Assistance Unit on 1800 622 571;
- LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529 (a local call from anywhere in NSW). LawAccess NSW is a free government telephone legal assistance service. It can also refer you to a lawyer.
Updated June 2007
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