Local and interstate domestic violence intervention orders ('DVO') are recognised and enforceable nation-wide under the Intervention Orders (Prevention of Abuse) Act 2009 (SA) [Part 3A].

Non-local DVOs (interstate orders) may be enforced in South Australia if they have been declared by a court in another jurisdiction as a recognised DVO. Similarly, South Australian orders that have been declared as a recognised DVO can be enforced in other states [s 29I].

Registration of an intervention order is automatic if the court declares, when the order is made, that it addresses a domestic violence concern [s 15A]. This is to distinguish from other orders made under the Act that address non-domestic concerns. These are currently unable to be recognised and enforced throughout Australia. See Non-domestic abuse intervention orders.

Under section 29P of the Act, a court has the power to revoke or vary a recognised non-local (interstate) DVO as if it were a local (South Australian) order.

Where a respondent has been disqualified from holding a firearms licence on a recognised non-local (interstate) DVO, the disqualification applies in South Australia [s 29N]. Similarly, if there are any licence or permit suspensions or revocations on an interstate order these will apply in South Australia [s 29M].

Foreign orders (for example, an intervention order issued in New Zealand) may also be recognised Australia wide. In the case of foreign orders, registration is required [see Part 4].

If an order is a recognised DVO it can be:

All domestic violence orders issued from 25 November 2017 will automatically be recognised nationally. However, for those orders issued before 25 November 2017, an application to the Magistrates Court for a declaration that the order addresses a domestic violence concern is necessary before it can be recognised and enforced in other states [ss 29ZB – 29ZF, see also Uniform Special Statutory Rules 2022 (SA) Chapter 3 Part 6 Division 11]. The application is made on a Form 4B Originating Application Ex Parte – Intervention Order Act – Domestic Violence Order Nationally Recognised, unless the person for or against whom protection is sought is a youth. In those circumstances, such applications may be made to the Youth Court.

In an emergency: 000

For police attendance: 131 444

Domestic Violence Crisis Line: 1800 800 098

1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732