In Western Australia, What is a Violence Restraining Order (VRO)?
In Western Australia, Domestic Violence Orders are known as Violence Restraining Orders (VROs). They provide legal protection to an adult or child against another person who may expose them to personal violence (i.e. assaulting or causing you injury, kidnapping or impinging on your liberty, stalking, or threatening you or your property, etc.)
In order to make it evident that you need a VRO, you need to prove to Court that:
- An act of family or personal violence has occurred and may happen again
- That the person who needs protection fears that an act of family or personal violence will occur
When applying to court for a VRO, confidentiality is a priority.
The first step is to fill out an application form either in person at court or online via a legitimate legal service provider. You may choose to proceed to the next hearing without notifying the respondent (the person you are applying the VRO against) about your application.
Although the general public will not be allowed to enter the courtroom during the first hearing thereby resulting in a “closed court.” However, court may allow you to bring one support person to the hearing.
Interim VROs
You may be granted an interim VRO (a temporary order established before a final VRO is decided) at the first hearing. This interim VRO will be valid until a decision is made regarding the final VRO. In order to receive a final VRO, the respondent must know about the application and be allowed an opportunity to come to court.
What is Family Violence?
Family violence occurs when someone is violent towards, or threatens violence towards, a family member. ‘Family’ in this context can mean current and ex-partners, parents, children and other family members. It is any behaviour that coerces or controls another family member, or causes them to be fearful. It includes physical, financial, emotional, psychological and sexual abuse.
Who is included as a family member?
- Spouses, siblings, children, parents, grandparents, step-family relationships, relatives
- Members of intimate/family-type relationships
Former spouse or former de facto partner of the person who wants to be protected’s current spouse or current de facto partner.
Family Violence Restraining Orders (FVRO)
Court can make FVROs against other family members (a.k.a “respondents”) to protect you from family violence if:
- Respondent has already committed or it is probable that they will commit family violence towards you in the future
- You (or person who applied for FVRO for you) have good reasons to fear that the respondent will commit family violence against you
If the court is satisfied of either of those two things, it must make an FVRO against the respondent, unless there are special circumstances that mean making the FVRO is inappropriate.
The court can also extend an FVRO for the benefit of children, to help protect them from being exposed to family violence by the respondent. A child is exposed to family violence if they see, hear or experience the effects of family violence.
You should try to get legal advice before you apply for an FVRO.
Free 15 Minute Domestic Violence Consultation
We offer an initial 15 minute consultation with one of our legal experts at no cost. During this consultation, we can provide you with information about the services we provide, the costs associated with your matter, and about some of the legal strategies that may be available to help resolve your situation. Contact us today to get your situation dealt with in a timely manner.
Have More Questions?
See our list of Frequently Asked Questions about Domestic Violence.
For further resources, see our Domestic Violence Resources page here.
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