In my experience, the AVPO is a tool available to all lot owners. BUT it’s a very blunt tool that should be used as a last resort and only where physical violence is threatened.
I wonder about cases where people are, for instance, sending a stream of nasty letters to people. Every official article I have read about this refers to fears of violence and/or harassment. If it’s only threats or fears of violence that trigger APVOs, why doesn’t the law or the literature say that?
I admit that it’s probably inappropriate in this particular case, which is a grumpy retiree with over-sensitive hearing. But what about cases such as some that have been aired here in the past where a resident couldn’t leave her front door without her neighbour muttering obscenities at her? There’s no threat of violence but it’s definitely a form of harassment.