WN Legal Podcast Ep 4: Restraining Orders – Updated Laws and New Classifications

In this episode, Khew and Amy discuss different types of violence restraining orders (VROs), and how the laws surrounding them have been recently updated.

Here’s some background info before you get stuck in. 

What is a Violence restraining order?

Essentially, a violence restraining order is a court order that works to protect you from someone who is perpetrating violence against you or your family – either through harassment, violence, threats, intimidation or even if you fear that any of these actions might be taken against you. Breaking a violence restraining order law WA is a serious matter and might land you in serious trouble. If you think you may be involved in a VRO case it’s important to seek legal help. There are several different violence restraining orders Perth courts will recognise:

• Family Violence restraining order (FVRO)
• Violence restraining order (VRO)
• Misconduct restraining order (MRO)

Applying for a Violence restraining order Perth 

In order to apply for a violence restraining order, Perth courts stipulate you must apply in person at a registered WA court. Simply fill out the relevant violence restraining order form and submit the document to the front counter and you will receive a court date. 

What’s in this podcast?

In the podcast, we’ll be taking a look at some of the following questions: 

What sort of VRO might you need? What is the difference between different classifications of VRO? Do you need a trial to settle your dispute? And what do you need to do to be prepared for your legal situation?

Together, the team takes a look at the real-world issues and questions people need to be answered surrounding violence restraining orders.

The full transcript is below!

[podcast transcript here]

5 Key takeaways 

1. First up, it should be said that if you think you’re in danger of suffering from abuse and feeling threatened, the time it takes to file for a violence restraining order could be putting you in extra danger in the meantime. If you feel unsafe, call 000 now and ask for help. 

2. The kind of relationship you have will dictate what part of the violence restraining order act will apply to you. There are certain thresholds that apply to different situations and while this can be difficult to understand at first glance, getting appropriate legal assistance will greatly improve your chances of successfully receiving the protection you need. 

3. New laws have come into effect in Western Australia – changing how family violence restraining orders are categorized and dealt with by the courts. The new laws allow for a more focused definition of what constitutes violence or the threat of violence especially in the context of cyber-based violence. 

4. Resolving the issue before reaching the courts is always the best-case scenario. But sometimes this just isn’t possible. Breaking a violence restraining order laws WA, even by accident, can become a serious legal matter, and likewise – putting yourself at unnecessary risk and waiting for the situation to improve can sometimes be equally detrimental. 

5. Recognising when you’re in danger is key – many people aren’t aware that their circumstances constitute the need for a violence restraining order. Knowing when to get help is critical. Prioritize your safety – call our highly qualified team at WN Legal for expert legal advice on restraining orders and how to navigate violent and abusive relationships in the courts.