The Psychological Impact of Intervention Orders: Coping Strategies and Mental Health Support

Intervention orders are legal instruments designed to protect individuals from harm, often in cases of family violence or harassment. While their primary function is to offer physical protection, the psychological impact of such orders is a less explored territory.

Coping with the Psychological Effects

The emotional toll of dealing with an intervention order can be overwhelming. Whether you're the applicant or the respondent, it's crucial to have coping mechanisms in place to navigate the psychological landscape. Here are some ways to cope:

Seek Professional Help

Therapy or counselling can provide a safe space to process your emotions and develop coping strategies. Mental health professionals can offer expert advice tailored to your situation.

Build a Support Network

Lean on friends, family, or support groups who understand what you're going through, including the involvement of a divorce lawyer. Emotional support can significantly affect how you cope with the stress and anxiety related to both divorce proceedings and intervention orders.

Stay Informed

Knowledge is empowering. Understand the legalities of your situation, your rights, and what you can expect in the legal process. This can reduce anxiety and help you make informed decisions. 

Practice Mindfulness and Stress-Relief Techniques

Mindfulness, meditation, or even simple breathing exercises can help you manage stress and improve your emotional well-being. These techniques can be beneficial before court hearings or stressful encounters related to the intervention order.

What is an Intervention Order?

An intervention order is a court-issued mandate that restricts the actions of a person (the respondent) toward another (the applicant). These orders can be either Family Violence Intervention Orders or Personal Safety Intervention Orders, depending on the relationship between the parties involved. They can prevent direct or indirect contact and even restrict proximity to certain locations like homes or workplaces.

Psychological Abuse and Intervention Orders

Psychological abuse often accompanies physical violence but can also stand alone as a form of abuse. It includes manipulative behaviors like gaslighting, making the victim doubt their sanity or recollection of events. Intervention orders can be applied in cases where psychological abuse is prevalent, even without physical violence.

The Courtroom Experience

The courtroom process can be emotionally draining for both parties. The respondent may agree to the order, contest it, or not show up at all. Each of these actions has psychological implications. For instance, agreeing to an order without admitting guilt ('consent without admissions') can cause emotional distress for the applicant, who may feel their experience is invalidated.

Long-Term Psychological Effects

Long-term psychological abuse can lead to emotional instability, anger, or aggression. Being served with an intervention order can also have lasting effects, restricting movements and affecting care and contact with children. It can even force removal from one's home, leading to feelings of displacement and instability. These long-term effects can contribute to chronic stress and may even lead to mental health issues like depression or anxiety. The emotional toll can also spill over into other areas of life, affecting work performance, social interactions, and overall well-being.

The Double-Edged Sword

While intervention orders aim to protect, they can sometimes backfire. For example, if the person experiencing family violence is incorrectly identified as the perpetrator, it can have significant emotional and practical impacts, including being unfairly served in an intervention order.

Always Seek Professional Help

Intervention orders serve a critical role in protecting individuals from harm. However, the psychological ramifications are complex and multi-faceted. Both applicants and respondents undergo emotional and psychological shifts that can have lasting impacts. Understanding these effects is essential for legal professionals, support services, and the individuals involved.