What is the difference between an AVO and an ADVO?

When a person is served with an apprehended violence order for the first time, they will often ask, what is the difference between an AVO and ADVO?

This is a reference to an apprehended violence orders (AVO) and an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO).

While both are orders which restrain specific behaviour there are some key differences.

What is the Difference between an AVO and ADVO?

The main difference between an AVO and ADVO is that an AVO can apply to any person, whilst an ADVO only applies to people who are in a domestic relationship.

A domestic relationship includes family members, spouses, de facto partners and children.

This difference can have significant consequences, particularly if you are seeking to vary an AVO or get an AVO dropped.