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Where am I now? Lawlink > Home > Apprehended Violence Orders > Getting more help
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Getting more help
If you are an applicant, protected person (also know as a Person in Need of Protection or PINOP) or defendant in an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) case, and you need more help, call LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529.
LawAccess NSW is a free government telephone service that provides legal information, advice and referrals for people who have a legal problem in NSW.
There are many other organisations and services that provide assistance to people involved in AVO cases, for example:
NSW Police Domestic Violence Liaison Officer (DVLO)
DVLOs are specialist police officers, trained in domestic and family violence and child protection. They are located at many police stations across NSW.
Domestic Violence Liaison Officers can provide support to victims, and help them with the AVO court process. They can also give referrals to support agencies that can help victims, such as refuges. One of their other roles is to monitor victims and perpetrators on an ongoing basis.
To contact a local DVLO, phone your local police station and ask to speak to the ‘DVLO’.
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Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS)
WDVCAS provides court advocacy, referrals and information for women and children involved in Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) matters and some Apprehended Personal Violence Order (APVO) matters.
If a woman is making a private application for an ADVO, the service can also arrange someone to represent her in Court.
WDVCASs operate at most Local Courts and usually provide a safe room for their clients to wait in when they are at court. Female defendants can also use the safe room, usually if they are also a victim of violence.
You can find out if there is a Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service in your area by calling LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529, or by visiting the Legal Aid website.
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Domestic Violence Practitioner Scheme (DVPS)
The DVPS are solicitors paid for by legal Aid NSW who work with the WDVCASs. They provide advice and representation to women in ADVO matters. They can also provide advice and representation to female defendants where appropriate, including in cross-applications.
For more information you should contact your local Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service.
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Domestic Violence Legal Service (DVLS)
The DVLS is a specialised legal service for women experiencing domestic violence, providing casework, legal advice and advocacy.
You can visit the DVLS website at www.womenslegalnsw.asn.au.
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Domestic Violence Line
The Domestic Violence Line provides telephone counselling, information and referrals for people who are experiencing domestic violence.
The Domestic Violence Line is a statewide free-call number and is available 24 hours, seven days a week on 1800 656 463.
For more information you can visit the Department of Community Services website at www.community.nsw.gov.au.
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Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Centre
Wirringa Baiya is a community legal centre for Aboriginal women, children and youth living in New South Wales. Wirringa Baiya focuses on issues relating to violence against Aboriginal women, children and youth.
You can visit the Wirringa Baiya website at www.wirringabaiya.org.au.
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Legal Aid NSW
Legal Aid is not generally available to defendants in AVO cases unless they have been charged with criminal offences and meet Legal Aid eligibility requirements as well. Legal Aid may provide representation for defendants in ADVO cases, even if there are no related criminal charges, if there are exceptional circumstances.
Legal Aid can provide free 20 minute consultations and may also provide representation for applicants who make private applications if they meet Legal Aid’s eligibility criteria.
You can visit the Legal Aid website at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au.
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Aboriginal Legal Service
This service gives advice and help to Aboriginal people and their families, particularly in criminal matters. There are five regional organisations in NSW with 25 offices.
You can visit the Aboriginal Legal Service website at www.alsnswact.org.au.
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Community Justice Centres (CJC)
Community Justice Centres can offer mediation services to parties involved in AVO cases that are assessed as appropriate. APVO matters can be referred for mediation but ADVO matters generally will not be.
For information about your local CJC, visit their website at www.cjc.nsw.gov.au.
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Safe Beds for Pets
The RSPCA's Safe Beds for Pets program offers secure emergency accomodation for pets from homes where domestic violence is taking place.
For more information about the Safe Beds for Pets program, visit the RSPCA website at www.rspcansw.org.au.
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For more information, see legal advice.
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