An intervention order (also commonly referred to as an AVO,
restraining order or a protection order) is a court order that
prohibits a person (the defendant) from committing an act of abuse
against a protected person.
When can an Intervention Order be sought?
An intervention order can be sought in a family situation (for
example where the protected person is the defendant's partner,
spouse or child), or non-domestic situations, such as against a
neighbour, work colleague or a customer.
Who can apply for an Intervention Order?
Generally, Police Prosecution will make an application for an
intervention order on behalf of the protected person in urgent
circumstances. This occurs where the defendant has also been
charged with a criminal offence against the protected person (such
as an assault). This is not always the case, and sometimes an
application for an intervention order is made on its own without a
criminal charge.
