If a Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO) has just been made against someone in your life, you might be wondering what comes next. Whether you’re the protected person or the respondent, it’s important to understand how this legal process continues after the order is in place.
In Victoria, a FVIO aims to protect individuals and families from abuse, and it forms part of a broader system of domestic violence intervention. Here’s what typically happens once an order is issued — and what it means for your safety, rights, and responsibilities.
Understanding the Conditions of a Domestic Violence Intervention Order
A Family Violence Intervention Order outlines rules that the respondent (the person the order is made against) must follow to help keep you safe.
These conditions often include no contact, staying away from your home or workplace, and not using any abusive, threatening, or coercive behaviour.
Additional protections can be included depending on your situation, such as clauses about children, communication methods, or firearms restrictions.
As the protected person, you don’t need to take further action once the order is made — it comes into effect immediately. If you’re the respondent, even indirect contact (such as through social media or mutual friends) can be considered a breach.
Key takeaway: The order is legally enforceable from the moment it is made. Following or reporting breaches is important for everyone’s safety.
Police Enforcement and Immediate Protection
Victoria Police take an active role in enforcing Intervention Orders. They can respond immediately if there’s a breach, including making arrests on the spot.
You don’t have to wait for something “serious” to happen — even minor breaches like sending a message or turning up at your home can result in criminal charges.
If a police-issued interim order was made before the court hearing, it stays in effect until the court decides whether to make it final. You’ll be notified of any court dates and outcomes.
Key takeaway: Victoria Police treat all breaches seriously, and legal consequences can follow even for seemingly small violations.
Support Services for Victim-Survivors
If you’re the person protected by the order, you’re not alone. A range of support services across Melbourne and Victoria are available to help you stay safe, heal, and rebuild.
These include specialist family violence services, housing and financial support, counselling, and legal assistance.
Some organisations also offer safety planning and help with longer-term recovery, such as navigating parenting arrangements or accessing Centrelink and Medicare support. Many services are confidential and tailored to your needs, including culturally safe support for Aboriginal and migrant women.
Key takeaway: You can access free, confidential support services across Melbourne to help you feel safer and more supported.
What Happens for the Respondent?
For the person subject to the order, a FVIO isn’t just a legal notice — it can come with long-term consequences. Respondents may be referred to Men’s Behaviour Change Programs (MBCPs) or other family violence intervention services to address patterns of abuse and encourage respectful relationships.
Although participation is sometimes voluntary, in many cases it becomes a condition of the court order. Ignoring these referrals can affect outcomes in related legal matters, such as parenting or custody decisions.
Key takeaway: Behaviour change programs are often part of the broader response and play a role in reducing repeated violence.
How Does a FVIO Affect Parenting and Custody?
If you share children with the respondent, the Intervention Order may include specific clauses about contact and communication related to the kids. In some cases, it may prevent contact entirely or require supervised visits.
The court will always prioritise the child’s safety, even if that means limiting or adjusting existing parenting arrangements.
If you already have family court orders in place, the Magistrates’ Court can consider how these interact with the FVIO. It’s important to get legal advice to ensure you understand how the orders work together.
Key takeaway: A FVIO can directly impact parenting arrangements to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children.
Can the Intervention Order Be Changed?
Family Violence Intervention Orders typically last for 12 months or longer, but they can be changed if your circumstances shift.
Either party can apply to the Magistrates’ Court to vary or revoke the order — but it’s not as simple as making an informal agreement between you and the other person.
The court must approve any changes, and it will only do so if it believes the order is no longer needed in its current form. Always seek legal advice before trying to make changes on your own.
Key takeaway: Orders can be updated through court, but informal agreements are not enough to change legal conditions.
Once a Family Violence Intervention Order is issued in Victoria, it activates a set of legal, protective, and support mechanisms designed to keep you safe and prevent further abuse.
Whether you’re navigating the system as a protected person or a respondent, it’s a process that comes with clear expectations — but also access to support and pathways for change.
Director of Melbourne Family Lawyers, Hayder manages the practice and oversees the running of all of the files in the practice. Hayder has an astute eye for case strategy and running particularly complex matters in the family law system.
Share this to social media