Under the Family Violence Act, the police have the power to enter premises, without a warrant, where they suspect that family violence has been or is likely to be committed.

The police may conduct searches (both of people and property), seize items or make arrests.

The police can arrest, without a warrant, any person suspected to have committed family violence. Any person arrested may be detained for a reasonable period to determine charges.

The police will also carry out a risk assessment or safety audit, implement safety measures and make and serve a Police Family Violence Order.  A Police Family Violence Order is made on the spot and can include orders for a person to leave (and stay away from) a certain place, and not to contact the other person.

A risk assessment is an assessment of the risk posed to the victim of family violence and any affected children.  It also considers how likely it is that the alleged offender will continue or escalate the violence.

A safety audit is an assessment of the victims home.