Police Safety Notices vs Intervention Orders – What’s the Difference?
If police are called to a family violence incident in Victoria, they may issue an immediate order to protect the alleged victim. This is called a Police Safety Notice (PSN). Many people confuse a PSN with an Intervention Order (IVO), but they are not the same.
Although they may appear similar, Police Safety Notices and Intervention Orders serve different purposes and carry very different legal consequences. Understanding this distinction is crucial if you are involved in a family violence matter.
At Emma Turnbull Lawyers, our team of criminal defence lawyers in Melbourne regularly advises and represents clients facing both PSNs and IVOs.
In this blog, we explain the key differences between a Police Safety Notice and an Intervention Order, what each means, and most importantly, what to do if you are served with one.
What Is a Police Safety Notice (PSN)?
A Police Safety Notice (PSN) is a temporary order issued by Victoria Police when they believe someone needs immediate protection from family violence before the court can intervene.
A PSN is often issued on the spot, without going before a magistrate. It can:
Prohibit you from contacting the alleged protected person
Prevent you from attending certain places (such as the family home)
Require you to appear in court on a set date for an Interim Intervention Order hearing.
A PSN takes effect immediately and stays in place until the first court date. Breaching a PSN is a criminal offence.
What Is an Intervention Order?
An Intervention Order is a formal court order made by a magistrate. It can be either:
- A Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO)
- A Personal Safety Intervention Order (PSIO)
Unlike a PSN, an IVO can only be made by a court and is based on evidence presented by both parties. It may initially be an interim (temporary) order, but it can become final if the magistrate believes it is necessary to protect the applicant from future harm.
Key Differences Between PSNs and IVOs
While both aim to provide protection, they differ in important ways:
Who issues them: Police issue PSNs; courts issue IVOs
Duration: PSNs are short-term; IVOs can last months or years
Process: PSNs don’t require the alleged victim to attend court initially; IVOs involve formal hearings
Legal weight: Breaching either is a criminal offence, but IVOs carry longer-term implications
What to Do if You’re Served With a PSN or IVO
Being served with a PSN or IVO is serious. Even if you think it’s a mistake:
Do not contact the protected person
Comply with all conditions
Get legal advice immediately
At Emma Turnbull Lawyers, our team of specialist intervention order lawyers in Melbourne can help you:
Understand the restrictions imposed
Avoid accidental breaches
Prepare for your court hearing
Negotiate or oppose conditions where possible
Many of our clients are professionals, parents, or ordinary people who suddenly find themselves caught in the justice system. Our job is to guide you through it and protect your legal rights.
Why Choose Emma Turnbull Lawyers
When it comes to intervention orders in Victoria, you need experienced representation.
At Emma Turnbull Lawyers, we are:
Accredited Criminal Law Specialists
Highly experienced in PSN and IVO cases
Known for our strategic, compassionate, and fearless advocacy
We appear daily in courts across Victoria, fighting for clients in intervention order matters.
Contact us today for expert advice and representation from Melbourne’s leading intervention order lawyers.
