Personal Safety Intervention Orders (PSIO)

What is a personal safety intervention order?

A personal safety intervention order (PSIO) is a Victorian court order intended to protect someone from harmful behaviour by a person who is not a family member. This might be a neighbour, colleague, friend or stranger. The order sets conditions the respondent must follow.

For concerns involving a family member or current or former partner, see family violence intervention orders. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 000.

When might an order be relevant?

A PSIO may address assault, sexual assault, stalking, harassment, serious threats or damage to property. Legal tests apply to the conduct, its effect and the risk of further behaviour. Repetition can matter. An ordinary disagreement does not automatically justify an order; advice can help identify the appropriate pathway.

Applying for protection or responding to documents

Seeking protection: the court can explain the application process. Police may also apply. If protection is needed urgently, ask about an interim order while a final order is considered.
Responding: read the application, summons and any order promptly. Check the hearing date and all court directions. Attend as directed; if you cannot attend, contact the court promptly.
Considering your options: seek advice before consenting to an order or contesting an application. Options depend on the circumstances; agreeing without admitting allegations may be possible.

Interim orders, final orders and breaches

An interim order provides temporary protection and can be made without the respondent present. It takes effect when served on the respondent. Follow its conditions even if you disagree or intend to contest the application. A final order sets out the conditions and how long they apply.

An intervention order is not itself a criminal conviction. Breaching an interim or final order can lead to criminal charges and penalties. Ask for advice about unclear conditions or proposed changes; do not assume an upcoming hearing suspends an existing order.

Questions we can discuss

Understanding applications, summonses and order conditions.
Whether a personal safety or family violence pathway may apply.
Court dates, document requirements and available referral options.

How we may help

Basic initial advice for people seeking protection or responding to an application.
Help understanding documents and considering next steps.
Referral to appropriate legal or support services.

What level of assistance can we offer?

We assess each matter individually, taking account of its suitability and our available resources. An enquiry or appointment does not guarantee ongoing assistance or representation.

Advice

Basic initial advice to help you understand the issue and consider your next steps.

Referral

Information about another legal or support service when specialist help is needed or we cannot assist.

Further assistance

A specific legal task or ongoing casework may be available, decided case by case and subject to resources.

What we do not do

Commercial or business matters.
Conveyancing, real-estate transactions and property ownership disputes.
Personal injury claims and WorkCover.

We do not guarantee court representation, preparation of an application or ongoing casework. We cannot guarantee an order or a particular court outcome.

Prepare for your appointment

Bring applications, summonses, interim or final orders and relevant court correspondence.
Bring relevant messages, photographs or dated incident records you already have.
Tell us about hearing dates, deadlines, safety concerns and a safe way to contact you.

Talk to us

Contact Southport Community Legal Service to discuss an appointment.

Request an appointment

Call 03 9646 6066, 0490 934 661 or 0440 131 920.
Email [email protected].

Further information

This page provides general information. Ask for advice about your own circumstances. Information reviewed September 2026.