The Personal Safety Intervention Orders Act 2010 (Vic) came into operation on 5 September 2011 and seeks to conform to its regime counterpart, the Family Violence Protection Act 2008. The distinction between the two rests with the personal safety Act focussing on the antisocial behaviours of non-family members. The new Act was introduced to rectify the problems arising from its predecessor, the now repealed Stalking Intervention Orders Act 2008. On application, a broader spectrum of behaviours were liable to have actions brought against them than was originally intended. Thus under the earlier scheme, minor disputes escalated rapidly and saturated the judiciary. Through reforming the legislation governing this area, the Victorian Parliament intends to distinguish between minor disputes and those requiring court facilitated resolutions, by emphasising the beneficial nature of informal mediation programs. Through these, trifling claims may be dealt with swiftly in arenas that facilitate communication and ideally provide for mutually acceptable resolutions. In contrast, the Act will provide heightened protection for those at risk of harm. This will be achieved via the provision of Personal Safety Intervention Orders and the codification of a breach of such an order as an offence. Therefore the introduction of the Act will provide fair, just and equitable outcomes for those requiring assistance while prompting individuals to resolve their own disputes prior to seeking formalised assistance.
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