If you are experiencing domestic violence and it is an emergency, call 000

Alternatively, women can call the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy service on 1300 384 357 or 1800 940 046

We provide

• Telephone support and information
• Risk and needs assessment
• Safety planning
• Information and referral to support services
• Help to navigate the legal system
• Crisis accommodation referral if you are at risk and need to leave the abusive environment
• Community education

Who we are

The Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS) provide women and their children with information, advocacy and safety planning where appropriate. We provide referrals to services including housing, counselling, legal, financial assistance or health services.

Through our service, we aim to provide victims with:

• Improved access to and understanding of the ADVO and criminal justice process;
• Effective legal protection through an ADVO;
• Appropriate ADVOs designed to fit their specific needs;
• Effective and appropriate legal representation;
• Access to a support system that can assist them with their other legal and social welfare needs; and
• Improved experience of the justice system, for example, being able to obtain an appropriate final order as quickly and efficiently as possible

Before court

If you have a domestic violence matter which is going to court and you want to know what will happen, the WDVCAS can provide you with information and referrals to other agencies and services for assistance. The WDVCAS will also let you know where they are located at the court so you can find them easily on the day.

Court Advocacy

Central West WDVCAS – We work from Orange, Cowra, Parkes, Forbes, Bathurst, Lithgow, Oberon, Lake Cargelligo, Oberon, Peak Hill, Blayney and Condobolin courts on ADVO list day. We can also support you at your hearing.

Western WDVCAS – We work at Dubbo, Narromine, Gilgandra, Warren, Coonabarabran, Wellington, Coonamble, Mudgee, Rylstone, Gulgong and Dunedoo courts on ADVO list day.

Central North WDVCAS – We work at Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett, Lightning Ridge, Nyngan, Cobar courts on ADVO list day.

At court

The WDVCAS will make sure you have a safe place to sit at court, give you information to help you understand what is happening, and work with you to get an order that is best for your situation. Where available, the WDVCAS will link you with free legal and other advice at court. We will keep you informed about the progress of your case, including any upcoming dates when you need to attend court.

After court

The WDVCAS may refer you to other services that can help you with things such as safe housing, income support, children’s needs, family law and counselling. They will provide you with information about how to keep yourself and your children safe, and what to do if the abuse or control continues.

If your ADVO matter is set down for a defended hearing, the WDVCAS can organise for you to attend a hearing clinic which helps explain what happens at court on the day of the hearing. We also have specialist workers to help Aboriginal women, for culturally and linguistically diverse women, please us if you need interpreter services.

Local Coordination Point

The Local Coordination Point  is a coordinated service delivery model for domestic violence victims across NSW. When you report domestic and family violence to the police, an automatic referral is sent to our local coordination point. We will call you within 1 business day and work with you to help you stay safe. We will:

• Assess your risk and needs
• Work with you to develop a safety plan
• Coordinate a range of services to support you
• Refer your case to a Safety Action Meeting if you are deemed to be at serious threat of injury or death due to domestic violence