The court has drafted the new standard conditions in response to recommendations from the 2015 Coronial Inquest into the death of Luke Batty, which recommended the use of clear and unambiguous language for family violence intervention orders. In 2016, the Royal Commission into Family Violence endorsed the simplification of FVIO conditions.
New conditions
The new standard conditions have been drafted to be clearer and easier to understand for the people who they apply to. They have been user tested with applicants and respondents who say they are easier to understand than the old conditions.
The new standard conditions are grouped into categories which address particular issues.
- Behaving safely – No family violence
- Taking responsibility – No getting others to do things for you
- Contact
- No contact with protected people
- Limited contact – respectful behaviour
- Listening respectfully and behaving safely
- Leaving protected people alone – no stalking or surveillance
- Respectful use of technology – no harmful images or messages
- Safety of children: Arranging to spend time with them
- Keeping everyone safe: no firearms/weapons
- Attending courts, tribunals mediation or counselling
- Getting help: referrals and support
It is possible to ‘mix and match’ the standard conditions so that they meet the particular needs of a client. It is also possible to draft free text orders.
