Key points
- A personal safety intervention order protects you from someone who isn’t a family member.
- Applications are made to the Magistrates’ Court, and police can apply on your behalf.
- The court can refer the parties to mediation, often through the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria.
- An interim order can give protection until the application is decided.
Who is a personal safety intervention order for?
Personal safety intervention orders (PSIOs) are made under the Personal Safety Intervention Orders Act 2010 (Vic). They protect a person from behaviour by someone who isn’t a family member, such as a neighbour, a co-worker, an acquaintance, or a stranger. If the other person is a family member or partner, a family violence intervention order is the right application instead.
Orders can address behaviour such as assault, harassment, stalking, serious threats and damage to property.
How to apply
- If you’re in immediate danger, call 000. Police can apply for an order on your behalf.
- Complete the application form, including a declaration of truth or an affidavit, setting out what has happened.
- Lodge it with your local Magistrates’ Court, in person or by email.
- A registrar reviews the application. You may need to give evidence to a magistrate.
- You can ask for an interim order for protection while the application is decided.
- Police serve the documents on the respondent. An order only takes effect once it’s served.
Mediation
Many disputes between neighbours or acquaintances can be resolved through mediation. The court can direct the parties to attend mediation, and the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria runs a program for personal safety intervention order matters. Mediation isn’t appropriate in every case, for example where there’s serious violence.
If an application is made against you
You can consent to an order (including without admitting the allegations), offer an undertaking, negotiate the conditions, or contest the application at a hearing. Read the documents carefully, follow any interim order, and attend court. Our guide to responding to an intervention order explains these options in more detail.
Breaching an order
Breaching a personal safety intervention order is a criminal offence. If an order is in place, follow its conditions exactly, even if the other person makes contact.
How we can help
Asher Freeman Lawyers advises and represents people applying for and responding to intervention orders across Victoria, including neighbour and workplace disputes. We can also help resolve the underlying dispute through negotiation or mediation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an intervention order against a neighbour?
Yes. A personal safety intervention order can protect you from someone who isn't a family member, including a neighbour, if the legal tests are met.
Do I have to go to mediation?
The court can direct the parties to mediation. It isn't appropriate in every case, such as where there's serious violence.
Can police apply for me?
Yes. If you're in danger, call 000. Police can apply for an order on your behalf.
Is breaching a personal safety intervention order a crime?
Yes. Breaching an order is a criminal offence.
This article is general information about Victorian and Australian law as at 10 October 2026. It is not legal advice. Contact us for advice about your situation.
