To apply for a VRO one must complete an application at one of the Magistrates Courts, preferably a court closest to where they live. The application will be heard by either a Registrar, Magistrate or Justice of the Peace. Applications are heard on what’s known as an ex-parte basis, this means by the applicant only, the respondent is not in court when the application is initially made.
If the VRO is granted, then it is only an interim VRO. The interim VRO is then served on the respondent by the police. The respondent then has 21 days to lodge an objection with the court. If the respondent does nothing, that is ignores the VRO, then the VRO will be made on a final basis. The time period for a final VRO is usually for 2 years.
If the respondent lodges an objection to defend the VRO, then the matter will be listed for a trial. Both parties give their evidence at the trial and the Magistrate will decide whether the VRO has merit to be made on a final basis or whether the VRO should be dismissed.