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.

A Family Violence Order, or FVO, is an ACT protection order designed to stop family violence by imposing conditions on a person's behaviour. Andrew Byrnes Law Group acts for applicants and respondents in FVO proceedings across the ACT Magistrates Court at Knowles Place, Canberra. Whether you are seeking protection or facing an application, an FVO has serious consequences for your firearms licence, employment, residency and family law position.

FVOs under ACT law

FVOs are made under the Family Violence Act 2016 (ACT), which commenced on 1 May 2017 and replaced earlier ACT domestic violence legislation. The Act covers conduct between people in a "family relationship" as defined in the Act, including current and former domestic partners, relatives, and people sharing parenting of a child.

Types of FVO

• Interim FVO — made on an urgent or ex parte basis
• Final FVO — made after a contested hearing or by consent. Typically runs for 12 months to 2 years.
• After-hours emergency order — issued by police where immediate protection is needed outside court hours.

FVO served on you in Canberra? Call (02) 6210 1075 before the return date.

Consequences of an FVO

An FVO is not a criminal conviction, but breaching one is a criminal offence under the Family Violence Act 2016 (ACT) and is prosecuted in the ACT Magistrates Court. An FVO also triggers automatic firearms licence suspension by the ACT Registrar of Firearms, can affect security clearances and Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) checks, and is relevant evidence in family law parenting proceedings.

Related criminal defence services

• Personal Protection Orders (PPOs)
• Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs)
• Domestic violence charges

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an FVO and a PPO in the ACT?

Family Violence Orders (FVOs) under the Family Violence Act 2016 (ACT) cover family or domestic relationships including current and former partners, relatives, and people sharing parenting of a child. Personal Protection Orders (PPOs) under the Personal Violence Act 2016 (ACT) cover non-family relationships such as neighbours, co-workers, and online disputes.

Can I consent to an FVO without admitting the allegations?

Yes. Consent without admissions is a common and often strategic outcome. The respondent agrees to the order without making findings of fact. This preserves the respondent's position in any related criminal, family law, or workplace conduct proceedings.

Will an FVO affect my firearms licence?

Yes. The ACT Registrar of Firearms typically suspends or cancels firearms licences where an FVO is in force. This is automatic and follows from the order itself. ABLG advises on the firearms licensing implications throughout the FVO proceedings.

How long does an interim FVO last?

Interim FVOs operate from the date they are made until the matter is finalised at a final hearing. Final orders typically last 12 months to 2 years but can be longer in serious matters. Both interim and final orders can be varied or revoked on application.

Can the police apply for an FVO on my behalf?

Yes. ACT Policing can and frequently does apply for FVOs on behalf of victims of family violence. After-hours emergency orders can also be issued by police in urgent situations under the Family Violence Act 2016 (ACT).

Important — not legal advice

This page provides general information about ACT criminal 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.