Does an intervention order show up on a police check?

An Intervention Order limits how one person can act towards another to protect the person who applies for it. The person who applies is referred to as the protected person, and the person who the order applies to is the respondent. It is a civil law order, but criminal consequences may apply if broken. The order can be heard and decided by the criminal division of the Magistrates' Court, and it can apply to anyone in Australia.

If an application has been made against you?

A national police check may reveal an intervention order even though it won't appear on a person's criminal record. Intervention orders might make it more difficult for you to gain a job, volunteer position, or licence, however, being served with an intervention order is not a crime.

Consequences of being served an intervention order

You will be provided with a copy of the IVO application and summons if an order is made against you. This application will include a detailed account of the allegations of harm, threats or violence. Then an interim order will be made against you, which will last until withdrawn or if a final order is granted after a hearing.

An intervention order often has no impact on a Working with Children Check in Victoria. However, the events that led to the IVO, may be significant in determining the outcome of your ability to work with children.

If you are looking to work in the police department, usually Victoria Police will not consider recruiting someone within five years of the expiration of an intervention order.

If you are a person who is involved with firearms, you will be listed as a Prohibited Person who can't hold a firearms licence for 5 years after the Intervention Order expires. You can apply to not be considered a Prohibited Person, and the majority of these applications are accepted.

If you are planning on travelling and have an IVO, whether you agree with the accusations contained in the intervention order or not, it may have a negative impact on your ability to obtain a visa or your visa status.

Is an intervention order a criminal offence?

No, it is not a criminal offence, and you will not be charged with breaking the law. An intervention order is a legal order that limits your behaviour towards the protected party. However, breaching the conditions in the order may lead to a criminal offense.