Legal Terms Explained
Plain-English definitions of common Australian intervention order terms. Tap any term across the app to see its meaning.
ZenCompass provides general information only and does not offer legal advice. You should seek independent legal advice where appropriate.
Adjournment
When a court hearing is postponed to a later date.
Affidavit
A written statement of facts, sworn or affirmed to be true, used as evidence in court proceedings.
Appeal
A request to a higher court to review and change the decision of a lower court.
Applicant / Affected Person
The person who applies for the intervention order, or the person the order is designed to protect.
Applicant Support Worker
A support worker available at court to help people applying for intervention orders with practical assistance and emotional support.
Application
The formal document filed to start intervention order proceedings or request orders from the court.
Application Form
The official form used to apply for an intervention order (e.g., Application for Family Violence Intervention Order in Victoria).
Apprehended Violence Order (AVO)
A court order in New South Wales to protect a person from violence, threats, stalking, intimidation, or harassment.
Barrister
A lawyer who specialises in court advocacy and presenting cases before a magistrate or judge.
Breach
A failure to comply with the conditions of an intervention order, which is a criminal offence.
Chronology
A timeline of key events relevant to the matter, presented in date order.
Coercive Control
A pattern of controlling or manipulative behaviour designed to dominate, isolate, or intimidate another person.
Conditions
The specific terms of an intervention order, such as not contacting the protected person, not going near their home or workplace, or surrendering weapons.
Consent Order
An order agreed to by both parties without admitting allegations. In intervention orders the respondent consents to the order being made; in Family Law parties may file consent orders for parenting matters.
Contested Hearing
A hearing where the respondent disputes the intervention order and evidence is presented from both sides.
Cross-Application
When the respondent files their own intervention order application against the original applicant.
Cross-examination
The process of questioning a witness called by the other party during a hearing.
Directions Hearing
A short procedural hearing where the court sets the timetable and gives directions for how the case will proceed.
Domestic Violence
Violence or abuse occurring in a domestic relationship, including between current or former intimate partners.
Domestic Violence Order (DVO)
A court order in Queensland, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory to protect a person from domestic and family violence.
Duty Lawyer
A free lawyer available at court on the day of a hearing to provide advice and sometimes representation.
Evidence Bundle
A compiled set of documents and evidence (photos, messages, medical records) prepared for a contested hearing.
Ex Parte Application
An application made without the other party being present, often used for urgent interim intervention orders.
Exclusion Condition
A condition that prevents the respondent from entering or remaining at a specific property, even if they own or lease it.
Family Violence
Behaviour by a family member that is threatening, coercive, controlling, or causes fear. Includes physical, emotional, financial, sexual, and psychological abuse.
Family Violence Order (FVO)
A court order in the ACT or South Australia to protect a person from family or domestic violence.
Family Violence Restraining Order (FVRO)
A court order in Western Australia to protect a person from family violence.
Filing
The process of formally submitting documents to the court registry.
Final Order
A permanent intervention order made by the court after hearing all the evidence. Typically lasts 12 months or longer.
First Mention
The first court appearance after an intervention order application is filed. The respondent can consent, seek an adjournment, or contest the order.
Interim Intervention Order
A temporary order granted before the final hearing, providing immediate protection until the matter is resolved.
Interim Order
A temporary intervention order made before the final hearing, often granted on the day of filing to provide immediate protection.
Intervention Order (IVO)
A court order in Victoria designed to protect a person from family violence. Known as a Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO).
Jurisdiction
The authority of a particular court to hear and decide a case.
Magistrate
The judicial officer who presides over intervention order hearings in the Magistrates' Court.
Mention
A brief court appearance, usually to update the court on progress, seek directions, or arrange a hearing date.
Notice of Address for Service
A document telling the court and the other party where to send legal documents.
Police Prosecutor
A police officer who presents the case in court on behalf of the applicant when police have applied for the order.
Police Report
A report filed by police documenting incidents of family violence, which can be used as evidence.
Protected Person
The person (and sometimes their children) who is protected by the intervention order.
Protected Witness
A witness whose identity or details are shielded from the other party for safety reasons.
Registrar
A court officer who can handle administrative matters and conduct certain procedural hearings.
Respondent
The person against whom the intervention order is sought or made; or in Family Law, the party who responds to an Initiating Application.
Revocation
An application to cancel an existing intervention order before its expiry.
Safe at Home
Programs and conditions designed to allow the protected person to remain safely in their home while the respondent is excluded.
Self-Represented Litigant
A person who represents themselves in court without a lawyer.
Service
The formal process of delivering court documents (such as the intervention order application) to the respondent.
Solicitor
A lawyer who provides legal advice, prepares documents, and may represent you in court.
Stalking
A pattern of behaviour directed at a person that causes them to feel fear, including following, watching, or repeated unwanted contact.
Submissions
Written or spoken arguments presented to the court by a party or their lawyer at a hearing.
Summons
A legal document issued by the court requiring a person to appear at a hearing or produce documents.
Supporting Statement
A written statement detailing the incidents of violence or threats that form the basis of the application.
Undertaking
A formal promise made to the court, sometimes offered as an alternative to a full intervention order.
Variation
An application to change the conditions of an existing intervention order.
Weapons Prohibition
A condition of most intervention orders that requires the respondent to surrender any firearms or weapons.
Without Prejudice
A label on communications meaning they cannot be used as evidence in court, to encourage honest negotiation.
Witness Statement
A written statement from a person who has witnessed relevant events, used as evidence in the hearing.
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