If you have experienced family violence or are afraid of someone else committing violence against you, you may need an intervention order. Known by different names including family violence intervention orders, domestic violence orders, apprehended violence orders and personal safety intervention orders, they are an important part of the family law system.
Family violence

Anyone can be affected by family violence, regardless of their age, gender, sexual identity, cultural background, ability, religion, wealth or status. It can be a one-off incident or a series of incidents that happen over time.

Abuse includes physical, psychological and financial violence. It can be directed at children, friends, siblings or other family members.

People experiencing family violence need support to stay safe. This support can include emergency accommodation, legal assistance, safety planning and hygienic care.

A family violence intervention order is a court order to protect you and your children from someone who is behaving in a violent or abusive way towards you. It can also include a range of conditions to stop the person from coming near you, being in your home or threatening you.

The process of applying for an intervention order is a long and complicated process, so it is best to get advice from a specialist lawyer. They can explain the process and help you prepare your application with a court registrar.
Defamation

Defamation is when a person publishes statements that are false and cause damage to the reputation of someone else. These can be spoken or written statements.

A defamation case can be brought against a private person, public figure or business. Defamation claims are based on injury to reputation, which can include damages such as lost income and emotional distress.

There are a number of defences to defamation claims, including truth and honest opinion. However, you must show that the statement was malicious and that it caused real harm to your reputation.

If you are the victim of defamation, you need to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. This is to ensure that you have the opportunity to protect your good name.
Confidentiality

Confidentiality is a legal duty that requires health and social care providers to keep their patients’ personal information private. This includes information such as their names, dates of birth, addresses and contact details.

However, in certain circumstances it may be necessary to over-ride this duty, particularly where people are at risk of harm. The Tarasoff case in California is an example of this.

If you are a health and social care provider, and your client or patient is at risk of harm or posing a threat to someone else, you can over-ride confidentiality if necessary, to protect their interests and the public’s. However, this can be difficult to achieve and it’s important you seek advice as soon as possible.
Costs

If you have been awarded an intervention order, or are contemplating a similar court process you might want to consider engaging a skilled lawyer. A competent legal representative will ensure that your intervention order case is presented in the most compelling manner and will keep you on track to a successful outcome.

A top-notch intervention order lawyer can advise you on the best way to pay for your services, and also provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your case. You might also be eligible for a free legal consultation to get a sense of your rights and obligations under the law. For more information, call the Legal Helpline on 1300 366 424 or book a consultation online.