Family violence intervention orders and court hearings
Duty lawyers can help if you need to go to court for a family violence intervention order
A family violence intervention order is made by the court to help keep you, your children and your property safe from a family member's behaviour.
If you have applied for a family violence intervention order, or the police have applied for one on your behalf, you will need to go to court.
You do not have to do this alone.
At court, there are duty lawyers who can:
- explain what is happening
- answer your questions
- talk through your options
- support you to make decisions that feel safe
Court support workers are also there to support your safety and wellbeing.
You need to fill out a court form to get duty lawyer support. You do not have to apply for help directly with Women's Legal.
Click the button below to ask for a duty lawyer with the court.
If you are responding to an application
If you have been named as the person using violence on an intervention order and it is not true, apply for legal help with us.
If you need to start an application
We cannot support you to ask for an intervention order, but we can help you once you get one or are told you have been named in an intervention order.
If police have not made an application for you, you can ask the court for an intervention order.
- Start on the Magistrates' Court of Victoria website
- For help with this step, contact Orange Door or talk to your family violence support service
More ways we can help
The police don't think I am the one who needs protection
If you have experienced family violence but police have applied for an intervention order against you.
Someone is controlling my money
What to do if someone you are close to stops you from working, controls your money, or puts debts in your name.
Support services
Orange Door
Help for people who are experiencing family violence or who need support with the care and wellbeing of children and young people.
Resources
Writing further and better particulars
Learn what further and better particulars are, why the Magistrates’ Court may ask for them, and how to explain your experiences of family violence clearly and safely.
Going to court for a family violence intervention order
What to expect at a Family Violence Intervention Order hearing in Victoria, including who needs to go, what happens on the day, and where to get support.