Checklist: What To Do If You’re Served With an IVO

• Read all paperwork carefully — note the conditions and court date. 

• Do not contact the applicant — even if you believe the allegations are false. 

• Attend court — failure to attend may result in an order being made in your absence. 

• Seek urgent legal advice — contact Pascoe Criminal Law immediately. 

• Gather evidence — texts, emails, witnesses, or anything supporting your case. 

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Glossary of Key Terms

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• IVO: Intervention Order (general term). 

• FVIO: Family Violence Intervention Order. 

• PSIO: Personal Safety Intervention Order. 

• Interim Order: Temporary order before a final hearing. 

• Final Order: Long-term order made after evidence is heard. 

• Cross-Application: When both parties apply for orders against each other. 

• Breach: Failing to comply with conditions of an IVO. 

FAQs About Intervention Orders in Victoria

What is the difference between an IVO, FVIO and PSIO?
An Intervention Order (IVO) is the general term for all protective orders in Victoria. 

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• Family Violence Intervention Orders (FVIOs) apply when the parties are related, married, in a relationship, or share children. They aim to prevent family violence, which includes not only physical violence but also threats, intimidation, emotional, or financial abuse. 
   

• Personal Safety Intervention Orders (PSIOs) apply when the parties are not related, such as neighbours, co-workers, or acquaintances. They are designed to protect against harassment, stalking, or threats from non-family members. 

Learn more: Types of Intervention Orders in Victoria 

How do I contest an intervention order? 

You can contest an IVO by attending court and indicating that you do not agree with the order. The matter will usually be listed for a contested hearing, where both parties present evidence and witnesses. Your lawyer can cross-examine the applicant and present your defence. If successful, the magistrate may dismiss the application or significantly reduce the conditions imposed. 

See: Contesting a Personal Safety Intervention Order: Key Legal Strategies 

What happens if I breach an intervention order? 
Breaching an IVO is a criminal offence in Victoria, even if you didn’t intend to cause harm. A breach may include contacting the applicant, attending restricted places, or sending a message through social media. Penalties range from fines to imprisonment. Courts treat breaches very seriously, especially repeat offences. 

See: Breach Intervention Orders: What Must Be Proved? 

Can an intervention order affect my employment?

The answer is it depends.  Whilst the making of an Intervention Order (interim or final) is a civil mater, and does not appear on a criminal history check.  The making of a Final Order will result in a respondent becoming a prohibited person.  This in turns will affect an authority to possess and use a firearm. 

If a condition of employment is to have and maintain a valid firearm license, then the making of a Final Intervention Order will as a consequence impact employment for particular vocations.   

See: Prohibited Person & Final Intervention Orders 

Can I still see my children if I have an intervention order against me? 
This depends on the conditions of the order.  Frequently an intervention order (whether interim or final) will provide an exception that permits a respondent to have contact with their children subject to a written agreement between the parties, or a Family Court Order.   If the Order does not provide for this exception, it is crucial to consult a family law solicitor on appropriate options to facilitate contact arrangements.    

See: The Intersection of Intervention Orders and Child Custody

What evidence helps defend an intervention order? 
Useful evidence can include: 

• Text messages, emails, or call logs. 

• Social media messages. 

• Witness statements that contradict the applicant’s claims. 

• Records that prove your whereabouts (e.g. work rosters, travel receipts). 

• Evidence of false or inconsistent allegations. 

The stronger and more credible your evidence, the more likely the court will dismiss or limit the order. 

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See: Evidence Needed for an Intervention Order 

How long does an intervention order last in Victoria? 
It depends on the magistrate’s decision. An interim order provides temporary protection until the final hearing. A final order can last for months or several years, depending on the circumstances. In some cases, FVIOs may extend for an indefinite period if the court believes ongoing protection is necessary. 

See: Long-Term Impact of Intervention Orders 

Can I appeal a final intervention order? 
Yes.  An appeal must be filed in the Magistrates’ Court within 30 days and the appeal will be heard by the County Court of Victoria.  The appeal is not heard as a re-hearing (de novo appeal) and the party filing the appeal needs to identify a legal, factual or discretionary error made by the Magistrate.   

See: Appealing an Intervention Order in Victoria 

How long does an intervention order last in Victoria? 
The duration of an Intervention Order depends on whether it is interim or final: 

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• Interim Orders: These are temporary orders put in place until the court can fully hear the case. They may last weeks or months, depending on how quickly the matter progresses. 

• Final Orders: These are made after a contested hearing or by consent. A final IVO can last for 12 months, 24 months, or longer. In family violence cases, the court can even make an indefinite order if it believes ongoing protection is necessary. 

Because orders can impact employment, family arrangements, and future opportunities, it’s important to seek legal advice before a final order is made. 

Learn more: Long-Term Impact of Intervention Orders 

Can I appeal a final intervention order? 
Yes. If you disagree with the outcome of your intervention order hearing, you may appeal to the County Court of Victoria. Key points include: 

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• Timeframe: Appeals must generally be lodged within 30 days of the Magistrates’ Court decision. 

• Process: The County Court will conduct a rehearing of the case. This means new evidence can sometimes be presented, and the judge will make a fresh decision. 

• Outcomes: The appeal may confirm the order, vary its conditions, or set it aside completely. 

Because appeals are time-sensitive and involve complex legal arguments, professional representation is strongly recommended. 

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Learn more: Appealing an Intervention Order in Victoria 

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False Statements in Intervention Order Cases 

Making a false or misleading statement in an Intervention Order case is a serious offence under Victorian law. If you’ve been falsely accused, our defence lawyers can expose inconsistencies, gather supporting evidence, and seek to have the order withdrawn. Proving that an application was based on false claims can significantly strengthen your defence and protect your reputation. 

Further and Better Particulars in IVO Cases 

If the allegations against you are unclear or vague, your lawyer can request what’s called Further and Better Particulars. This is a formal process where the applicant must provide detailed information about each allegation. It ensures you understand the exact claims being made and can prepare a precise and effective defence strategy before the hearing. 

Consent Without Admission 

You can agree (“consent”) to an Intervention Order being made without admission of the allegations. This means you accept the order’s conditions without admitting fault or wrongdoing. While it avoids a contested hearing, it still creates enforceable legal restrictions — so it’s essential to get legal advice before consenting.