Will an FVRO show up when an employer does a police check?

Generally no. A final FVRO is civil and does not appear on a standard national police certificate. A conviction for breaching an FVRO is criminal and will appear.

Does a restraining order give me a criminal record?

No, not by itself. Only a conviction — such as for breaching the order — creates a criminal record.

Do I have to tell my employer about a restraining order?

For most jobs, no. But roles involving children, security/policing, or a firearms licence may require disclosure or be affected by the order. Check your obligations and get advice if unsure.

Can a restraining order affect my working with children clearance?

It can be relevant to roles and screening involving children. The order's existence and any underlying findings may be considered, so seek advice if you work with children.

Will it affect my ability to travel overseas?

The civil order generally does not appear on a standard police certificate, but a breach conviction can have travel and visa consequences. Check the requirements of the specific country or visa.

Does a Restraining Order Show Up on a Police Check in WA?

A restraining order in Western Australia — an FVRO, VRO or MRO — is a civil order, and a final order made against you generally does NOT appear on a standard national police check. However, if you are convicted of breaching a restraining order, that is a criminal offence and will appear on your record. The distinction between the civil order and a criminal breach is the key to understanding the consequences.

Key facts at a glance

The order itself: civil — generally does not show on a standard police certificate
Breaching the order: criminal — a conviction does show up
Some roles require disclosure: jobs involving children, security/policing, or a firearms licence
Firearms: an FVRO or VRO generally requires you to surrender firearms and your firearms licence
Family Court: an FVRO and its underlying facts can be relevant to parenting decisions

The civil order vs a criminal breach

This is the most important point and the source of most confusion:

A restraining order is a civil order. It restrains your behaviour but is not a criminal charge or conviction. When a routine police check is conducted, a final FVRO made against you generally does not appear.
Breaching a restraining order is a criminal offence. If you are charged and convicted, that conviction can appear on your criminal record and carries the usual consequences for employment, travel and licensing.

So the practical message for a respondent is simple: the order alone is one thing; breaching it is what creates a criminal record. Comply strictly.

When does a restraining order have to be disclosed?

Even though a restraining order is civil, some occupations require your restraining order history to be disclosed or can be affected by an order. These generally include:

work involving children (and related screening)
security and policing roles
jobs where holding a firearms licence is a condition of employment

If you work in one of these areas, an order — or its conditions — could affect your ability to do your job. Get advice early if this affects you.

Firearms and your licence

An FVRO or VRO generally must include a firearms prohibition. If you hold a firearms licence, an order usually requires you to surrender your firearms and licence for the duration of the order. This can have significant consequences if firearms are part of your work.

Impact on Family Court matters

A restraining order is not a criminal record, but it is not invisible either. In the Family Court of WA, family violence is central to parenting decisions, and the court must consider any family violence and any FVRO involving the child or the family. If facts were admitted or proven in the restraining order proceedings, the Family Court can give weight to them.

Visas, travel and other checks

Because the order itself is civil, it generally does not appear on a standard police certificate used for many purposes. But specific checks (for some visas, licences or sensitive roles) can be broader, and a breach conviction will show. If you have a specific check coming up, get advice about what it covers rather than assuming.