Domestic violence orders

You can apply for a domestic violence order (DVO) against another person if you are either:

• in a domestic relationship with them
• or adult acting on behalf of another adult or child who is in a domestic relationship with the person.

Other people who can apply for a domestic violence order against another person are:

• police officers
• and Family and Children's services officers.

Domestic relationship definition

A domestic relationship can be between any of the following:

• married or de facto partners
• relatives such as mothers, fathers, sisters, cousins and in-laws
• relatives according to Aboriginal tradition
• partners who are dating or are engaged to each other
• people who live together, including housemates or former housemates
• people who are in a carer’s relationship.

If you need protection from someone who is not in a domestic relationship with you can apply to the Local Court for a personal violence order.