Media Release: Issues paper and call for submissions on how children and young people participate in FVIO proceedings  

The Victorian Law Reform Commission is examining how children and young people are heard and participate in Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO) proceedings.  

The Commission has released an issues paper for Stage 2 of its community law reform project on family violence intervention orders for children and young adults. 

Stage 2 is examining whether reforms are needed to ensure children and young people who are victim survivors have the opportunity to be heard in FVIO proceedings which affect them. 

VLRC Chair, the Hon. Tony North KC said the project was initiated in response to calls from young people and the organisations that work with them. 

“We are hearing that young people who have experienced family violence want to be involved in decisions about their own protection. Some young people do not feel recognised as victim survivors in their own right,” Mr North said.

The Stage 1 report, released in November 2025, recommended reforms to address concerns about children “ageing out” of FVIOs when they turn 18.  Earlier this year, legislation was passed implementing Recommendation 1 of the Report, clarifying that an FVIO made for a child can continue to protect them after they turn 18. 

“We are pleased by the quick implementation of our key Stage 1 recommendation. It is heartening to see that Government is open to reform in this area,” Mr North said. 

“As an independent, responsive law reform body, we aim to ensure the law remains fit for purpose and meets the needs of the Victorian community. 

“We are now asking if reform is needed to make it easier for young people’s voices to be heard and considered when FVIO decisions are made.” 

The Commission is calling for submissions by 16 October 2026.  

The issues paper is available at: Family Violence Intervention Orders for Children and Young Adults: Stage 2 – Participation in Court Proceedings: Issues Paper

For more information or an interview with the Hon. Tony North KC please contact:  

Victoria Kyriakopoulos 
Communications & Publications Manager 
Tel: (03) 8608 7824 | Mob: 0408 518 681 
E: Victoria.Kyriakopoulos@lawreform.vic.gov.au