Intervention Orders: Your Rights and Obligations

Intervention orders, also known as restraining orders, can help provide protection from interactions with and proximity to a particular individual. These orders can certainly come in handy in many cases. However, many Australians don’t know their rights and obligations when it comes to intervention orders.

Below are just some of the rights and obligations you should know about intervention orders if you plan on requesting one.

One Can Receive Protection From Anyone in Australia with an Intervention Order

The good news is, you can file an intervention order against anyone within the borders of Australia. This could be a family member, a spouse or ex, a long-time harasser, or even a stranger that has been stalking you. And you don’t even have to live in the same Australian city, state, or territory as your harasser or abuser to get an intervention order against them.

Family Violence Intervention Order Doesn’t Require a Court Date to Apply

For domestic violence-related incidences, you won’t have to worry about going to court just to apply for an intervention order. The process can be done easily online and can be heard at any court location at your convenience.

If you don’t feel safe completing your application online or aren’t able to at the moment, you’re also welcome to apply at your local court or contact the court over the phone for your options. After your application is reviewed, the court will contact you soon with the next instructions.

As always, if you are in immediate danger, call the police first and foremost.

An Intervention Order will Cover Interstate

When you have an intervention order against someone, it not only is recognized in the Australian state or territory that you reside in but applies throughout the entire country. For instance, Intervention orders Melbourne will still be recognized in New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria, and so on.

You Can Try Mediation First

In the case of minor disputes, it’s possible for you to request meditation first in the event that you may end up wanting to drop the intervention order. This is an ideal option if you don’t feel that you are immediately threatened and have faith that the individual you wish to get an order against could potentially stop the behavior on their own without an order set in place.

Mediation is not ideal for cases of stalking, if the police have been involved, and/or if there is violence or a threat involved. In these cases, it’s best to avoid mediation altogether and instead go straight towards applying for an intervention order.

Conclusion

An intervention order is very serious and very powerful. However, there are a few things you should know first. For one, you can get an intervention order against anyone in Australia, and it will apply interstate. Also, you won’t have to worry about setting a court date to apply for a family violence intervention order. Last but not least, you have the option to try mediation first. However, does a restraining order go on your record? Find out more by visiting backgroundcheck.com.