We often hear in the media news about people taking out a violence restraining order (VRO) against someone they fear is going to harm them. To do this they have to apply to a court for the order and the police are the ones who serve it – or give it – to the person who is being violent or aggressive. Often it is taken out by a spouse or de-facto against her partner – or in some cases – his partner.
While it doesn’t stop them from harming the person if they really want to, there are penalties for breaking the VRO. This can be enough to stop them from frightening or threatening someone where their action is not enough to bring a legal punishment against them. Sometimes people get so bitter and angry they act in ways that are stupid and not really what they are usually like.