Crucial knowledge: AVOs and their conditions uncovered

An AVO is usually requested by someone who thinks they are at risk of violence or abuse from another person.

If you're experiencing abuse, it's understandable to feel frightened, but gaining a clear understanding of what an AVO entails and its conditions can empower you to take control of your situation. By delving into the details of AVOs, you can equip yourself with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions and pave the way toward a safer and more secure future.

What is an AVO?

An AVO is an Apprehended Violence Order which is a court order in Australia to protect a person or group of people from violence, harassment, intimidation, or other forms of threatening behavior.

An AVO is usually requested by someone who thinks they are at risk of violence or abuse from another person.

The order can stop the person who is the subject of the order from coming near or contacting the protected person(s) or behaving negatively towards them.

Two types of AVO are the Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) and the Apprehended Personal Violence Order (APVO).

Key Takeaways:

• An Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) is a legal document issued by a court in Australia to protect a person or group of people from violence, harassment, intimidation, or other forms of threatening behaviour

• A person can defend themselves against an AVO and offer evidence to the court to disprove the allegations against them.
• An Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) application may be withdrawn by the individual who filed it before or during the court hearing.
• When served with an AVO, it is crucial to understand the conditions as they define the permissible and prohibited actions. AVO conditions consist of two types: mandatory orders and additional orders.

What is an AVO for a Defendant?

When considering an AVO from the defendant's perspective, its gravity lies in the nature of their offences and the potentially life-altering consequences that may follow.

The implications of an AVO extend beyond personal matters, affecting professional connections and curtailing the freedom to engage in certain activities or travel freely.

Defendants are often compelled to comply with specific conditions, such as refraining from contacting the protected person, avoiding their residence or workplace, and refraining from any form of threat or intimidation.

Violating the terms of an AVO can result in criminal prosecution, penalties, and, in severe cases, imprisonment.

It is important to know that a person can defend themselves against an AVO and offer evidence to the court to disprove the allegations against them. Also, they might seek legal representation to learn about their rights and options.

Can an AVO Application be Withdrawn?

Yes, an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) application may be withdrawn by the applicant who filed it before or during the court hearing.

If the applicant no longer believes they are at risk of violence or abuse or have settled their differences with the AVO subject, they may withdraw their application.

It is important to remember that even if the AVO application is withdrawn, the defendant may still be required to appear in court and respond to the allegations brought against them.

If the court has previously issued a temporary or permanent order, it will remain in effect until the court decides to revoke it.

Also, note that drawing back an AVO application doesn't stop the police from acting if they think a crime has been committed, like assault or stalking. The police could still look into the situation and charge the person who was the subject of the AVO if they have evidence to back up the claims.

What You Need to Know About AVO Conditions

When served with an AVO, understanding the conditions becomes crucial, as they outline what you can and cannot do. AVO conditions encompass two types.

AVO Conditions in Mandatory Orders

Every AVO, following Section 36 of the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 No 80, must include the following mandatory orders, which appear as Order 1:

• Any person having a domestic relationship with the protected person must not be assaulted or threatened.
• Intentional stalking, harassment, or intimidation of the protected person or any other person having a domestic relationship with them is prohibited.
• Any property belonging to or in possession of the protected person or another person having a domestic relationship with the protected person must not be destroyed or damaged recklessly.

The orders provide a minimum level of protection. As they do not prevent contact or exclude the protected person from the premises, they can be made even if the defendant and the protected person are still living together or in a relationship.

AVO Conditions in Additional Orders

To ensure the safety and protection of a PINOP and their child or other family members, a court may impose any restriction or prohibition on a defendant that appears to be 'necessary or desirable'.

Section 35 of the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 No 80 sets out additional orders that can be included on an AVO without limiting a court's prohibitions or restrictions.

The law regarding AVO orders and how they were written changed on 3 December 2016.

AVOs made before 3 December 2016 could also include the following additional orders:

Contact Orders

• If the defendant lives in a property where the protected person(s) may reside from time to time, or if he or she lives in another specified location, the defendant must not reside there. In other words, you cannot live with a protected person.
• The protected person must not be approached or contacted unless the contact is through a lawyer. Only your AVO lawyer can approach the protected person or communicate with them by phone, text message, email, writing, through a third party, or in any other way.
• You must not approach the school or any other place the protected person might go to for study, any place they might go to for childcare, or any other place listed in the application.
• Following alcohol or illicit drug use, you must not approach or be in the company of the protected person for at least 12 hours.
• Trying to find the protected person is illegal unless a court has ordered you to do so.

AVO Conditions about Family Law and Parenting Orders

Unless your lawyer recommends counseling, mediation, or conciliation, or as ordered by the court or as agreed with the other party, you may not contact or approach the protected person by phone, text message, email, writing, through a third party, or any other method.

AVO Conditions About Locations

• Living with the protected person or in a place specified in the order is prohibited. This order can be made regardless of whether you own or lease the property.
• Protected persons cannot be visited at home, work, or another address (if specified).
• You must stay a certain distance from the protected person's home, work, or another address (if set).

AVO Condition about Weapons

You are not allowed to possess any firearms or prohibited weapons.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.