New laws have been introduced in each state and territory to improve the protection of domestic and family violence victims.
From 25 November 2017 domestic violence orders (DVOs) issued in one state or territory will apply and be enforceable in all states and territories in Australia.
Prior to 25 November 2017 DVOs applied only in the state or territory where they were issued.
Orders made before 25 November 2017
If you are planning to travel or move to a state or territory different to the one where your order was issued, you can have your order “declared” a national DVO. This means it can be enforced in all states and territories in Australia.
In the Northern Territory, you can do this by making an application to a Local Court using the application form found under Fees & Forms.
You can also apply to a court in another state or territory.
Note: The person who you have protection from (the respondent) will not be provided with a copy of your application (to declare an order a national order) unless you have given written consent.
If you are planning to travel or move interstate and want to vary the conditions, named persons or term of your DVO, you can do this in the Northern Territory by making an application to a Local Court using one of the following forms:
Note: The person who you have protection from (the respondent) will be provided with a copy of your application to have your order declared a national order and to have it varied. If you do not want the respondent to know your address, do not include this information on your form. Advise the court registry staff that you need to keep this information private.
Orders made after 25 November 2017
If you are planning to travel or move to a state or territory different to the one where you originally received your order, it will apply in all Australian states and territories so you will be automatically protected.
If you would like to vary the conditions, named persons or term of your DVO, you can do this in the Northern Territory by making an application to a Local Court using one of the following forms:
Note: The person who you have protection from (the respondent) will be provided with a copy of your application to have your order varied. If you do not want the respondent to know your address, do not include this information on your form. Advise court registry staff of the need to keep this information private.
Enforcing orders
DVOs made from 25 November 2017 can be enforced across all states and territories in Australia. If an order was made before 25 November 2017 it must first be declared a national DVO before it can be enforced in all states and territories.
An order which has not been declared a national DVO will only be enforceable in the state or territory where it was issued.
Order names
Domestic violence orders or DVOs have different names across Australia. A domestic violence order may be called:
- Protection order
- Apprehended domestic violence order
- Family violence intervention order
- Family violence order
- Intervention order
For help
Please contact the Domestic Violence Clerk at the Darwin Local Court.