Victoria Moves to Close Family Violence Order Loopholes for Young People

Young people in Victoria may soon find it easier to stay protected under Family Violence Intervention Orders (FVIOs), thanks to a set of reforms welcomed by the Mallee Accommodation and Support Program (MASP).

The changes, announced by Victorian Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny, aim to stop young people from “ageing out” of FVIOs just because they turn 18. Conor Pall, Deputy Chair of the Victim Survivors’ Advisory Council (and a Mildura local), first raised the issue in 2022, arguing that fear and risk don’t magically disappear on a birthday.

Dani Edwards, MASP’s Manager of Family Safety, called the reforms overdue. “A young person doesn’t age out of fear or risk. They shouldn’t have to jump through hoops for protection just because they’re now legally an adult,” Edwards said. “This change means fewer young victim-survivors will have to relive trauma by reapplying for protection.”

The legislation will also target loopholes that let alleged perpetrators avoid being served with an FVIO—even if they’re already in custody. Plus, Victoria will be able to issue orders for violence that happened interstate, a big win for people in border towns like Mildura and Swan Hill or those who’ve moved to escape abuse.

To top it off, Victoria will introduce a standard two-year FVIO length, bringing the state in line with the ACT, New South Wales, and Western Australia.

For those interested in the ongoing conversation, Conor Pall will be speaking at MASP’s Lunch For Change on September 5. Details and tickets: https://masp.org.au/change/ ↗