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

General information only — not legal advice. Penalties and section numbers change; speak with us about your specific circumstances. Call (02) 6210 1075.

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.
• AVO — Apprehended Violence Order: a NSW order made under the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 (NSW). AVOs come in two forms: ADVO and APVO.

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

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.

Choose the right page for your matter

• Family Violence Orders (FVOs) — ACT
• Personal Protection Orders (PPOs) — ACT
• Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs) — NSW

Important — not legal advice

This page provides general information about ACT law. It is not legal advice and must not be relied on as such. Laws, penalties, and section numbers change, and how the law applies depends on your specific circumstances. For advice tailored to your situation, contact Andrew Byrnes Law Group on (02) 6210 1075 or via our contact page.