Protection Orders
A Protection Order is a legal tool that helps keep people safe from family violence. Family violence doesn’t just mean hitting — it also includes things like threats, controlling behaviour, put‑downs, financial control, and unwanted contact. A Protection Order tells the person causing harm (called the respondent) that they must stop the behaviour and stay away from you.
What a Protection Order Does
A Protection Order sets out clear rules. The main rules include:
No violence of any kind: This covers physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse.
No contact: The respondent cannot call, text, message, visit, or come near you.
No weapons: They must hand over any guns and gun licences within 24 hours.
These rules also automatically protect your children, and anyone else named in the order.
How to Get a Protection Order
You apply through the Family Court. You can apply in two ways:
Without notice: This is for urgent situations where you need protection right away.
With notice: This is used when the situation is serious but not urgent.
To apply, you fill out a form and write a statement (called an affidavit) explaining what has been happening. You don’t have to do this alone — Community Law, Women’s Refuge, lawyers, and other support services can help you prepare everything.
If the judge agrees you need protection, they will issue a Temporary Protection Order straight away. The respondent is then officially told about the order and must follow the rules immediately.
A Temporary Protection Order is used when you need urgent safety. It starts working as soon as the court approves it. A Final Protection Order happens after three months, the temporary order becomes final unless the respondent challenges it. A final order stays in place until the court decides it’s safe to end it.
If the Order Is Broken
Breaching a Protection Order is a crime. The police can arrest the respondent, and they can face serious penalties, including jail time. This is one of the reasons Protection Orders are such strong tools for safety.
If Someone Gets a Protection Order Against You
If you are the respondent (the person the order is against) in a Protection Order, it places strict legal limits on your behaviour. You must not contact or go near the protected person (and often their children), either directly or indirectly, unless the order specifically allows it. This includes phone calls, messages, social media contact, and asking others to pass on messages. You may also be required to leave a shared home, even if you own or usually live there.
Protection Orders are enforced by the police, and breaching one is a criminal offence that can lead to arrest, fines, or imprisonment. The order is designed to prevent further harm, so the conditions are taken seriously and applied consistently. In many cases, respondents are also required to attend a non-violence programme to address their behaviour.
It’s important to carefully read the order, follow all conditions, and seek legal advice if you are unsure about what is allowed and/or want to contest the Protection Order.
The Loft Can Help
The Loft can support through this process. We can help you understand the process and connect you with the right services. Our team can guide you toward legal support, safety services, and community organisations that specialise in family violence and Protection Order applications and responses, so you don’t have to navigate this on your own. If you’re unsure where to start, contact us, and we can help point you in the right direction.