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Far South Coast Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service

 

Free, confidential support before, during and after court for women in ADVO matters

Domestic Violence describes a situation where one partner in a relationship is using violent and/or intimidatory tactics to control and dominate the other partner. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics it is estimated that 23% of women who are married or in de facto relationships experience violence by their partner.

The Far South Coast WDVCAS is a service that provides help to women experiencing domestic violence. The aim of the service is to encourage and assist women who are victims of domestic violence to use the justice system to protect them and their families from further violence. The servicee assists women with ADVOs, safety, explaining the court process, after court support and help with the police.


Support workers from the Far South Coast Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service discuss with women their needs and options, provide information about Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders or "ADVOs" and make sure women are aware of the processes of the local court.

The Service can organise a legal representative for women if they do not have one, go with women to court to offer emotional support and assist in making the ADVO meet the needs of the woman. Where a woman needs the services of another community organisation or service, referrals can be made. It is advisable for women to contact the Far South Coast Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service before their day in court so they can get as much information and support as they need.

 

Contacts:

Bega Office

(co-located with Women's Resource Centre)

14 Peden St. Bega

Co-ordinator   6492 5002

(supporting women at court in Bega, Eden and Narooma)

 

Moruya Office

43 Queen St. Moruya

(co-located with Moruya Women's and Children's Services)

Assistant Co-ordinator           4474 4616    

(supporting women at court in Bateman's Bay and Moruya)

 

Aboriginal Specialist Worker   4474 4616

(Specialist support for Aboriginal women attending court on the Far South Coast)

If workers are unavailable, they may be at court, so please leave a message so we can return your call

 

How can I use the service?

If you wish to use the service contact the Far South Coast WDVCAS Coordinator on 64925002.

If you are in the Eurobodalla Shire or require the services of our Aboriginal Specialist Worker, you can also call 4474 4616.  

This is important as you may need to fill out a Legal Aid Application form. You can also discuss with her what is going to happen when you go to Court.

If I need an interpreter?

Interpreters for clients are usually ordered by court staff. If you are not sure whether the court has ordered one for you , contact the Clerk of the Court or ring Far South Coast WDVCAS at least three days before you are due to go to court.

When can I access WDVCAS offices on the Far South Coast?

The Bega Office is open three days per week Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.  The Moruya Office is open Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.  Our Aboriginal Specialist worker is available Mondays and Fridays.  If our workers are in court, they are available to contact by mobile.

What can I expect at court?

At the court a separate room is available for you to sit and discuss your case with the support worker and a solicitor or that Police Domestic Violence Liaison Officer. The support worker can also provide you with information about other services for victims of domestic violence (e.g. housing, income security, counseling, ongoing support), and advise you on how to deal with these problems.

The solicitor will give you legal advice about the orders you are seeking and talk on your behalf to the Court.  If you are being represented by the Police Prosecutor, you may also want to talk to the Police Domestic Violence Liaison Officer.  Your support worker can support you to do this.

How does an AVO protect me?

An ADVO is for your future protection. It is designed to restrain the behaviour of the defendant by imposing criminal penalties on them if they breach the order after it has been made. The period of time that an order is in force is up to the discretion of the Magistrate (usually about 2 years). It can also be negotiated with the defendant. If you wish to change the orders this can be done on the day, or later on after the first orders are made, by reapplying to the Court for a variation.

What protection can I get for my children?

Your children will be named on your ADVO. The police however must make the complaint if protection is to be sought for someone under 18. If the children are not included in an ADVO, the violent person is not breaching an order by approaching them.


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