Domestic Violence

If one party is afraid of violence or has threatened violence, intervention orders can be quickly obtained in the Magistrates' Court prohibiting the other party from coming near them. This procedure is not made under the Family Law Act but under State Law, being the Victorian Crimes (Family Violence) Act. It is a very effective procedure, particularly attractive because of the low cost involved. Generally, a Clerk of the Magistrates' Court will assist you in making the application. Similar procedures exist in other States and Victorian orders can be registered interstate. If an order is breached, police can arrest and charge the offender.