An AVO is not a conviction but a decision based on the balance of probability. An AVO can be as 'lenient' as no distance restriction and allowiing conversation. The stipulation being no harrassment, intimidation, hassling of the plaintiff.

Under NSW law, and possibly other states, no matter what category of AVO is issued, a person's gun license is revoked and prohibited for tyen years. All firearms must be surrendered.

This law removed discretionary power from the magistrate. The law should be amended to once again give the magistrate discretion regarding gun licenses in AVO decisions.