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Office Number: (03) 9077 4834 | After Hours Number: 0434 701 484
Office Number: (03) 9077 4834
After Hours Number: 0434 701 484

Apply for an Intervention Order with Melbourne’s Leading IVO Lawyers

Protection. Advocacy. Expertise.

If you are experiencing family violence, stalking, threats, or harassment, applying for an Intervention Order (IVO) is a critical step to protect yourself and your family.

At Emma Turnbull Lawyers (ETL), we are Victoria’s leading law firm for pursuing Intervention Order Applications. We have specialist expertise in both Family Violence Intervention Orders (FVIOs) and Personal Safety Intervention Orders (PSIOs), appearing daily in Magistrates’ Courts across Metropolitan Melbourne and regionally.

We understand that seeking legal protection can feel overwhelming. Our role is to guide you through the legal process, prepare a strong application, and fight for the court to grant you the protection you need and deserve.

What Is an Intervention Order?

An Intervention Order (IVO) is a civil court order made to protect a person from another person’s harmful behaviour. It is designed to prevent prohibited behaviours including:

  • Physical or sexual abuse
  • Emotional or psychological abuse
  • Economic abuse or coercive control
  • Threatening or harassing behaviour
  • Stalking or intimidation
  • Online harassment
  • Reputational damage

An IVO is not a criminal order. However, breaching an IVO is a criminal offence, punishable by fines or imprisonment.

Types of Orders:

  1. Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO):
    Under the Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic), an FVIO applies when the Respondent (the other party) is a family member (including a partner, ex-partner, parent, child, or relative).
  2. Personal Safety Intervention Order (PSIO):
    Under the Personal Safety Intervention Orders Act 2010 (Vic), a PSIO applies where the Respondent (the other party) is not a family member, such as a neighbour, colleague, client, patient or stranger.

Who Can Apply for an Intervention Order?

  • You can apply personally at the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria.
  • Victoria Police can apply on your behalf, especially if they have attended a family violence incident.
  • You can also apply on behalf of a child who is at risk.

Our firm assists private applicants to prepare and lodge their applications, ensuring they are supported through every step of the process.

The Legal Test for Intervention Orders

For a court to grant a Final Family Violence Intervention Order, it must be satisfied that:

  • Family violence has occurred, and
  • There is a likelihood of it occurring again.

For a Personal Safety Intervention Order, the court must be satisfied that:

  • The Respondent has engaged in prohibited behaviour (stalking, harassment, assault, property damage, or making threats), and
  • There is a reasonable likelihood it will happen again, or you fear it will happen again.

These tests are assessed on the balance of probabilities, which is a lower standard than in criminal cases, which are beyond reasonable doubt.

What Conditions Can Be Included in an IVO?

When applying for an IVO, it is crucial that it incorporate a request for appropriate conditions to address your specific concerns. Common conditions include:

  • Prohibiting physical or verbal abuse.
  • Prohibiting stalking, harassment, or surveillance (in person or online).
  • Excluding the Respondent from your home, workplace, or school.
  • Prohibiting third-party contact or using others to communicate.
  • Including children as protected persons on the order.
  • Parenting carve-outs where necessary, balanced with safety.

At ETL, we work with you to ensure your application seeks the right protections and that conditions are practical and enforceable.

What Is the Process for Applying for an IVO?

  1. Filing the Application:
    You or Victoria Police lodge the application at your local Magistrates’ Court. We prepare your application with you, including a detailed document setting out the incidents of concern.
  2. Mention Hearing:
    This is usually the first court date. An Interim Intervention Order can be sought here for immediate protection if one is not already in place. The Respondent may consent, contest, or seek an adjournment.
  3. Directions Hearing (if contested):
    If the Respondent contests the application, a directions hearing will be scheduled to manage evidence, timelines, and readiness for a final hearing.
  4. Final Hearing (Contested Hearing):
    As Applicant, you will present evidence under oath. Witnesses can be called on your behalf and documents that you rely on in proof of your allegations can be tendered. The Magistrate decides whether to grant a Final Order.

Many applications are resolved at the mention or directions hearing stage, through negotiations or by consent (with or without admissions).

We are skilled in negotiating outcomes but are equally prepared to take matters to a contested hearing when necessary.

What Evidence Is Needed?

A strong IVO application includes:

  • Clearly outlining incidents (dates, details, impact).
  • Evidence of abusive messages, emails, or social media posts (where alleged).
  • Photographs where injuries or property damage is alleged.
  • Witness statements where available of anyone who witnessed the prohibited behaviour.
  • Police reports or incident summaries.

We help you prepare your evidence in a way that aligns with legal requirements and maximises the strength of your case.

How Long Does an Intervention Order Last?

The court has discretion regarding the duration of a Final Order. Standard orders are often made for 12 months to two years, but longer orders (3-5 years) through to indefinite orders can be made in serious cases.

If your circumstances change, an application can be made to extend, vary, or revoke the order.

Why You Need Legal Representation

While it is possible to apply for an IVO without a lawyer, it is not advisable. The court process can be intimidating, and improperly prepared applications may result in insufficient conditions or an unsuccessful application by you.

By engaging Emma Turnbull Lawyers:

  • You have experienced advocates preparing your case.
  • You are supported at every court appearance.
  • Your application is presented in a way the court takes seriously.
  • Your application addresses the legal requirements.
  • We ensure the conditions ordered genuinely protect you.

Our Reach: Melbourne CBD & Suburban Courts

We represent clients in:

  • Melbourne Magistrates’ Court
  • All Metropolitan Magistrates’ Court including: Broadmeadows, Dandenong, Heidelberg, Ringwood, Sunshine, Frankston and Moorabbin.
  • Regional Courts including Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and others

Contact Melbourne’s Leading Intervention Order Lawyers

Your safety is too important to leave to chance. Let us protect you with strength, expertise, and urgency.

Call Emma Turnbull Lawyers on (03) 9077 4834 or contact us to arrange a conference.

We will listen to you, explain your options, and take immediate steps to secure your protection.

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