Obtaining an intervention order is a civil matter, but breaching it is a criminal offence. It is an offence for an accused to contravene a family violence intervention order with the intention to cause physical or mental harm, including self-harm, or to make the protected person apprehensive or fearful for their safety or that of anyone else. If the police suspect that someone has breached an intervention order, they may arrest them. However, it is up to the police to decide what action to take, if any, when a breach is reported.

