General Overview: This issue in the Hot Topics:series gives an introduction to the area of law relating to domestic violence in NSW, especially with regard to Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs).

This resource also provides information on the definition of domestic violence; its prevalence (statistics, domestic homicide); community attitudes; and access and equity issues. It outlines what AVOs can do (conditions in an AVO), and how to apply for them including police applications, private applications and use of interpreters. It explains the differences between ADVOs and APVOs, and summarises the process after the complaint is made, including how a women's domestic violence court assistance scheme could help, and what could happen on the first court date. After an AVO is made, consequences of breaching an AVO, firearms, appeals and reviews are explained.

Other legal remedies such as victims' compensation, personal injury claim, family law and contact arrangements are also discussed. A brief outline of restraining orders in other Australian states and their relevant legislation is given.

A list of key contacts for legal services, police, Indigenous women's and immigrant women's services, victims' support, and relevant information, counselling and accommodation services, is provided at the end.