Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs), Personal Protection Orders (PPOs) and Family Violence Orders (FVOs)

Protection order matters in Canberra and the ACT can be confusing because the order types and statutes differ across jurisdictions. Andrew Byrnes Law Group acts for applicants and respondents in protection order proceedings across the ACT and neighbouring NSW. Deliberately Different.

AVO, PPO and FVO — what is the difference?

The three terms refer to protection orders made under different statutes in different jurisdictions:

• FVO — Family Violence Order: an ACT order made under the Family Violence Act 2016 (ACT) where the parties are in a family or domestic relationship.
• PPO — Personal Protection Order: an ACT order made under the Personal Violence Act 2016 (ACT) where the parties are not in a family relationship (neighbours, co-workers, acquaintances).
• AVO — Apprehended Violence Order: a NSW order made under the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 (NSW). AVOs come in two forms: ADVO (apprehended domestic violence order) and APVO (apprehended personal violence order).

Which order applies to my situation?

The jurisdiction depends on where the conduct occurred and where the parties live, not on the words used in everyday speech. Many Canberra residents and police still use "AVO" colloquially, but the correct ACT terminology is FVO or PPO. If your matter is in the ACT Magistrates Court, you are dealing with an FVO or PPO. If it is in a NSW Local Court (for example, Queanbeyan, Wagga Wagga, Goulburn, Yass), you are dealing with an AVO.

Unsure which order applies to your matter? Call (02) 6210 1075 for clarity in a 10-minute call.

Family vs personal relationship — why it matters

The ACT split between the Family Violence Act 2016 (ACT) and the Personal Violence Act 2016 (ACT) turns on the relationship between the parties. Family relationships include current and former spouses and partners, parents and children, siblings, and other close family relatives. Where no family relationship exists, the matter proceeds as a PPO under the Personal Violence Act 2016 (ACT). The distinction affects evidence, presumptions, and the available conditions.

Cross-border recognition

ACT family violence orders and NSW domestic violence orders are mutually recognised and enforceable across Australia under the National Domestic Violence Order Scheme. This means an ACT FVO can be enforced in NSW, and a NSW ADVO can be enforced in the ACT, without the need to register the order separately. ABLG advises clients on how this affects breach exposure when travelling or relocating.

Breaching a protection order is a criminal offence

Whether the order is an FVO, PPO or AVO, breaching its conditions is a separate criminal offence. ACT breaches are prosecuted under the relevant ACT statute; NSW breaches under section 14 of the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 (NSW). Penalties include imprisonment, fines and a criminal record.

Choose the right page for your matter

• Family Violence Orders (FVOs) — ACT — for ACT matters involving a family or domestic relationship.
• Personal Protection Orders (PPOs) — ACT — for ACT matters between non-family parties.
• Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs) — NSW and Canberra vernacular — for NSW matters and for Canberra readers using NSW terminology.

Call (02) 6210 1075 to speak with an ABLG protection order solicitor today.

Frequently asked questions

Is an AVO the same as an FVO in the ACT?

No. AVO is the NSW term under the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 (NSW). In the ACT, family violence matters are dealt with as FVOs under the Family Violence Act 2016 (ACT).

Can a NSW AVO be enforced in the ACT?

Yes. Under the national recognition scheme, NSW domestic violence orders are enforceable in the ACT without re-registration.

Do I need a lawyer to oppose a protection order application?

Strongly recommended. An order has consequences for firearms licences, employment and family law proceedings. Call (02) 6210 1075.

Are protection order proceedings criminal or civil?

The application itself is a civil matter. Breaching an order is a criminal offence.

How long does a protection order last?

Final orders typically run for 12 months to 2 years, although longer periods can be ordered. Interim orders run until the final hearing.