National Domestic Violence Order Scheme

Domestic violence is a serious and widespread problem in Australia. Approximately one in six women and one in 16 men have experienced partner violence since the age of 15. In addition, one in four women and one in six men have experienced emotional abuse by a partner since the age of 15.[1]

Domestic violence is a critical issue for the Australian Government and all state and territory governments.

The National Domestic Violence Order (DVO) Scheme was introduced in November 2017 to better protect Australians. All DVOs issued from 25 November 2017 are automatically nationally recognised and enforceable. Victims no longer need to apply to register these DVOs in other Australian states and territories for them to be enforceable across the country.

We delivered an interim information sharing capability to support the National DVO Scheme. The capability includes a secure web portal that allows local courts across Australia to access DVO information held in the National Police Reference System.

These information sharing capabilities ensure police have greater situational awareness when responding to domestic violence incidents, improving both victim and police safety, and ensure local courts can effectively deal with DVOs under the National DVO Scheme.