National Domestic Violence Orders

New laws have been introduced nationwide to improve the protection of domestic violence victims.

In the past, domestic violence orders (DVOs) only applied in the State or Territory in which they were issued or registered.

On 25 November 2017, the National Domestic Violence Order Scheme commenced. All DVOs issued from 25 November 2017 are now automatically nationally recognised and enforceable.

If you have a DVO that was issued after the 25th of November 2017 you no longer need to apply to register your DVO in another state or territory of Australia for it to be enforceable.

If your order was issued before 25^th November, 2017, you have the option to have that order declared as nationally recognised. If you are not intending to travel to or reside within another state or territory of Australia you may choose not to declare your order. You will remain protected in the state or territory in which the DVO was issued.

A party of an Interstate DVO (regardless of where their Order was made) can apply to the Magistrates Court:

• To have that DVO declared as a nationally recognised Order (if issued prior to the 25 November 2017).
  Application to Declare an Interstate Order (DOCX, 34.5 KB)
• To have that DVO varied.  The varied order will be recognised in all States and Territories.
• To have that DVO extended. The extended order will be recognized in all States and Territories.
• To have that DVO revoked.
  Application to Vary/Extend/Revoke an Interstate Order (DOCX, 42.2 KB)