Attorney-General and The Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence, Mark Speakman launched the NSW government-funded app as part of a package of products to help people understand their legal obligations under an apprehended domestic violence order (ADVO).

“The scourge of domestic violence needs to be tackled both by protecting victims and by helping perpetrators to stop their abusive behaviour,” Mr Speakman said.

“The Avow app puts information perpetrators need to comply with their ADVO at their fingertips.

“It’s available anytime, anywhere, for free, meaning perpetrators can more easily address their behaviour.”

An ADVO court order limits a perpetrator’s contact with a victim, ensuring they don’t stalk, intimidate or, in some cases, contact them at all. If the ADVO conditions are broken this is considered a criminal offence, punishable by jail time. 

To stop this from happening, the Avow app includes straightforward information and ADVOs and the court processes around them, the consequences of breaching an ADVO and information about appearing in court. Users are able to add in their specific court-ordered conditions and plan how they will comply. 

The app will also include access to educational links, resources and support services. 

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No to Violence chief executive Jacqui Watt said having clear information available anytime, anywhere, is incredibly important.

“Hopefully this information can help those subject to an ADVO know the requirements to prevent breaches,” Ms Watt said.

“We are also pleased that these resources highlight that support is available. If you are struggling or need someone to speak to about your behaviour, give the Men’s Referral Service a call on 1300 766 491.”

A new NSW Police referral card will also be used to promote the app and encourage perpetrators to contact the Men’s Referral Service that can put them in touch with support groups and services, including Men’s Behaviour Change programs.

NSW Police corporate sponsor for domestic violence, assistant commissioner Leanne McCusker, said police are taking a proactive approach to ADVO compliance.

“Each day police respond to nearly 400 domestic violence incidents across the state,” she said. 

In addition, Legal Aid NSW has launched an animation on YouTube titled “How to Stick to Your Order”, with an accompanying publication, plus a social media campaign with shorter animations. 

Legal Aid NSW CEO Brendan Thomas said these resources are innovative ways to promote access to justice.

“While nothing beats in-person legal advice, the app will serve as an invaluable reference tool that will help to keep victims safe and perpetrators out of jail,” Mr Thomas said.

The information will be delivered state-wide to the legal assistance sector through Legal Aid NSW’s Cooperative Legal Service Delivery Program, which partners with Community Legal Centres, the Aboriginal Legal Service, disability advocates, police and local courts.

“The primary focus of police is to protect victims and in the last two years we have significantly increased our compliance activities to ensure perpetrators are held to account. Last year alone we identified nearly 17,000 breaches of ADVO incidents,” Ms McCusker added. 

“The Avow App will give perpetrators the information they need to ensure they are abiding by the requirements of the ADVO, and they can access referral pathways to get the help they need to change their behaviour.”