Articles

Key takeaways An apprehended violence order (AVO) can be applied for against a child by police. An AVO is a civil order and is not a criminal record. However, breaching an AVO is a criminal offence, which carries a maximum penalty of 2 years imprisonment and/or a $5,500 fine. It can also affect obtaining employment […]

One of the most common enquiries domestic violence lawyers receive is from defendants and protected persons wanting to vary an AVO. An Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) is a court order that is made to protect a person from the violence, harassment, intimidation or other threatening behaviour of another person. In its simplest form, an AVO […]

The question of how to beat an AVO is one that lawyers answer almost daily. This is unsurprising given an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) can have a devastating effect on yourself, your partner and your family. It is important to understand that there are stringent processes involved with these orders. Defending an AVO can be […]

The moment your privacy is violated without your knowledge, the damage is already done. Voyeurism offences are far more common than many Australians realise. Across every state and territory, the law treats voyeurism-related crimes with a seriousness that can permanently alter a person’s life. Key Takeaways What is Voyeurism? To better understand what constitutes voyeurism, […]

New proposed legislation by the State government could provide an answer to the question of how to find out if someone has an AVO. The Right to Ask scheme would allow police to disclose information about a domestic violence offender to potential new victims. However, concerns about privacy and malicious applications have been raised as […]

The punishment for sexual assault in Australia depends on the specific type of offence. The most serious offences can carry life imprisonment, however, most offences have lower maximum penalties. The primary legislation for sexual offences is the Crimes Act 1900, although some less serious offences are contained in other acts. Specialist sexual assault lawyers can […]

The conditions of an apprehended violence order (AVO) are designed to protect a person from another person.   Apprehended domestic violence orders (ADVOs) govern domestic relationships such as an intimate partner, family member or a person you are living with. Apprehended personal violence orders (APVOs) refer to other relationships such as neighbours, acquaintances and fellow […]

The recent introduction of a lapsing interim Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders – known as a lapsing AVO – has provided a new avenue for AVOs to be dismissed. However, the new scheme does not operate in all courts. It is currently being tested and if found to be effective, is likely to be extended to […]

New vaping laws will be introduced from 1 October, with changes aimed at regulating the supply and manufacture of vapes. However, there has been criticism of the new reforms as well as the government’s ability to adequately enforce them. When are Vapes Getting Banned in Australia? Disposable vapes, whether they contain nicotine or not, have […]

New coercive control laws have been introduced in New South Wales to address non-physical forms of domestic abuse. The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Coercive Control) Act 2022 amends the Crimes Act 1900, creating a new offence of coercive control that came into effect on 1 July 2024. The aim of the new offence is to protect […]