Agencies and support services
General support services | Women’s Domestic Violence Court Assistance Schemes
Community Legal Centres | The Legal Aid Commission
Aboriginal Client Service Specialists (ACSS) | Witness Assistance Service
General support services
Emergency
In an emergency call 000 and ask for the police. | DoCS Domestic Violence Line
1800 656 463
TTY 1800 657 463 |
The Department of Community Services provides a state-wide 24 hour advice line. Experienced workers operating the line are available to discuss a woman's concerns and provide information about domestic violence, the legal process and support options. They have a comprehensive database which can identify the nearest support services and emergency accommodation. Workers can liaise with the Helpline and local Department of Community Services offices where there are child protection concerns.
Local Department of Community Services offices are situated throughout New South Wales and are available during normal office hours. They are listed under Community Services Centres in the White Pages of the Sydney and regional telephone books.
Domestic Violence Advocacy Service
(02) 9637 3741
1800 810 784
TTY 1800 626 267
A free legal service for women that provides legal advice, information and referral to women in NSW. Subject to availability, DVAS is able to represent women applying for apprehended violence orders; can arrange for a sympathetic private solicitor to act on a woman's behalf; can advocate on behalf of women to relevant services, eg. police, courts. DVAS also provides community education and training for service providers.
Chamber Magistrates
The role of the Chamber Magistrate is different to that of a solicitor. The Chamber Magistrate will listen to a persons legal problem and tell them what the legal situation is and may even indicate chances of success if they take legal proceedings.
The Chamber Magistrate will not advise a person what to do. They will tell the person all the things they need to know to make a decision, and explain possible courses of action, legal or otherwise. They will also insist that the decision be the person’s.
When a client goes to a solicitor they pay the solicitor to take the matter a step further and advise them about their course of action.
Chamber Magistrates are usually located in Local Courts. They provide free legal information (for example with debt problems). They will also help you fill out legal forms. For the nearest Local Court look up Local Courts in the L-Z volume of the White Pages of the telephone book. Hours and the need to make appointments vary from court to court.
Family Court Counselling Service
Family Court of Australia, Sydney Registry, Level 1, 97-99 Goulburn Street, Sydney 2000
Tel (02) 9217 7111
Fax (02) 9217 7133 (also in Albury, Canberra, Dubbo, Lismore, Newcastle, Parramatta and Wollongong)
This is a confidential service for parents who are separating or divorced and are experiencing difficulties in making arrangements for their children in relation to residence, contact or other specific issues.
Medical assistance
If an assault has occurred, the woman should seek medical treatment for her injuries. It is important that the doctor treating the injuries makes a detailed record of any injuries which can be used as evidence if court action is taken.
The woman may seek treatment from her local General Practitioner or Emergency department at the nearest general hospital. Emergency staff can liaise with support services if the police or emergency accommodation are required. Women's Health Centres can provide names of sympathetic General Practitioners (GP) if the woman is reluctant to visit her local GP
NSW Health Sexual Assault Services are available throughout the Sydney metropolitan and country areas of New South Wales. These services are based at local hospitals or Community Health Centres. Sexual assault services will provide medical services and confidential counselling at the time the assault has occurred and on an ongoing basis.
The NSW Rape Crisis Centre (02) 9819 6565 or 1800 42 4017(Country freecall) has a 24 hour telephone counselling line which can advise about the nearest sexual assault service.
Emergency accommodation
Women's Refuges provide emergency accommodation and support to women and their children. Workers will often assist women to access long-term accommodation such as through the Department of Housing. In some circumstances the Department of Housing or the Department of Community Services will provide funds for emergency overnight accommodation where a woman and her children are unable to find refuge accommodation and where they are in need of immediate protection. For further information contact the DOCS 24 hour DV line on 1800 65 64 63 of the Homeless Persons Information Centre.
The Homeless Persons Information Centre (HPIC) helps homeless people and agencies working with homeless people by providing:
Immediate advice and information
Referral to crisis accommodation
Referral to support services.
The centre is in constant communication with welfare service providers throughout Sydney and NSW.
HPIC operates 9:00am to 10:00pm Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm Saturday and 10:00am to 4:00pm Sunday.
In Sydney, ring 02 9265 9087
Elsewhere in NSW, call 1800 234 566.
Income support
Information about income support (pensions and benefits) is available at any local Centrelink office. Social workers are available to discuss this information and explore appropriate support services and safety options. There is a one-off crisis payment available which provides immediate relief for low income people who have had to leave their homes under extreme circumstances. | Family Support Services
Family Support Services provide a variety of services for families experiencing domestic violence. These may include individual counselling, groups for women and children, court support and advocacy. Ring Family Support Services Association on (02) 8512 9850 for information about your nearest service or look under 'F' in the White Pages of the telephone book.
Community Health Centres
Community Health Centres are situated throughout New South Wales. Referrals for counselling should be discussed with the intake worker on duty at the time. They will discuss whether the centre will accept the referral or may refer to more appropriate services such as Women's Health Centres which may exist in the local area. Community Health Centres are listed under 'C' in the White Pages telephone directory. Community Health Centres are also available to children who require assessment or access to counselling.
Relationships Australia
Relationships Australia provides a variety of services to families experiencing domestic violence. Their primary focus is the provision of couple counselling in circumstances where violence has ceased. Groups for men who are violent to their partners are offered on an ongoing basis. Support groups for women are also offered periodically. Ring 1300 364 277 for further details.
Services for women with different needs
It is important to remember that each woman is an individual with her own particular circumstances and needs. Some groups of women have special additional needs. Below are some useful contacts for these women.
Aboriginal women
Wirringa Baiya is an Aboriginal women's legal resource centre. It is also a community based organisation with a focus on providing free legal advice, information and referral for women and children who are victims of violence. Ring 1800 686 587 for advice and referral.
The Indigenous Women's Program, which provides telephone support, legal help and training is based at the Women's Legal Resources Centre and has a freecall contact line. The number is 1800 639 784
Women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
The Community Relations Commission provides a face to face interpreting services 24 hours a day 7 days a week. These services may be obtained from anywhere in the State by telephoning 1300 651 500 and for the cost of a local call.
When booking an on-site interpreter, it is important to identify that the matter concerns domestic violence so that a priority booking allocation can be made. It is the responsibility of court staff to ensure that an interpreter is booked for future court appearances. Requests for interpreters are usually accommodated.
The Immigration Advice and Rights Centre (IARC) is a specialist Community Legal Centre which provides legal advice concerning domestic violence provisions under the Immigration Act. Contact: (02) 9281 8355.
The Immigrant Women's Speakout Association (02 9635 8022) offers information, referral, counselling. community development programs and workshops in response to domestic violence.
They can also tell you where your nearest Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) is located. Most MRCs have workers who are experienced in dealing with domestic violence.
Women with disabilities
The Deaf Society of NSW (02 9893 8555 or TTY 02 9893 8858) is an important contact for women with a hearing impairment. They can provide support and assist with communication.
Many services, including the Domestic Violence Advocacy Service, have a Telephone Typewriter (TTY) facility. AUSLAN (sign language) interpreters can be booked through the NSW Community Relations Commission on 1300 651 500
The Disability Council of NSW (02) 92112866 is another useful contact for advice about communication strategies and aids to facilitate communication with women who have a range of disabilities.
Lesbians
Most police patrols will have designated Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers who are trained to deal with the difficulties facing lesbians experiencing domestic violence.
Other services have developed specific programs to respond effectively to women in this situation. The Lesbian and Gay Anti-Violence Project ((02) 93606687 or 1800 637 360) has produced posters and pamphlets about lesbian violence. They also provide support, information and referral to appropriate services.
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Women’s Domestic Violence Court Assistance Schemes
The Women’s Domestic Violence Court Assistance Schemes provide women and their children with support, advocacy, referral and information and facilitate their access to appropriate legal representation so that women can use the justice system to obtain protection orders prohibiting the perpetrator from assaulting, intimidating or harassing the victim again and end the domestic violence they have been experiencing. Schemes are in the following locations:
Scheme
Albury
Armidale
Bankstown
Bega
Blacktown
Blue Mountains/Lithgow
Bourke/Brewarrina
Broken Hill
Central Coast
Coffs Harbour
Dubbo
Hastings
Hawkesbury
Hornsby
Hunter
Illawarra
Inner West
Kempsey
Northern Rivers
Liverpool/Fairfield
Macarthur
Maitland
Manly Warringah
Moree
Newtown
Nowra
Parramatta/Ryde
Penrith/Mt Druitt
Redfern
Southern Sydney
Taree
Wagga Wagga
Waverley | Courts
Albury
Armidale
Bankstown
Bega
Blacktown
Katoomba/Lithgow
Bourke/Brewarrina
Broken Hill
Gosford/Wyong
Woy Woy
Coffs Harbour
Dubbo/Wellington
Port Macquarie/Wauchope
Windsor
Hornsby
Belmont/Toronto/Newcastle
Port Kembla/Wollongong
Burwood
Kempsey
Lismore
Liverpool/Fairfield
Cambelltown/Camden
Maitland
Manly
Moree
Newtown
Nowra
Parramatta/Ryde
Mt Druitt/Penrith
Downing Centre/Redfern
Kogarah/Sutherland
Taree
Wagga Wagga
Waverley | Phone Number
(02) 60213059
(02) 6771 4221
(02) 9709 5622
(02) 6492 5002
(02) 9671 9126
(02) 4782 4155
(02) 6872 1200
(08) 8087 2053
(02) 4350 3064
(02) 4325 6941
(02) 6650 0302
(02) 6884 7388
(02) 6583 4179
(02) 4588 5618
(02) 9485 3017
(02) 4929 7036
(02) 4228 1499
(02) 9744 1866
(02) 6563 1479
(02) 6622 3558
(02) 9601 6988
(02) 4628 6170
(02) 4934 5332
(02) 9971 4499
(02) 6752 7135
(02) 9559 2899
(02) 4423 2949
(02) 9760 2211
(02) 4731 5098
(02) 9698 7277
(02) 9589 1200
(02) 6557 8122
(02) 6921 6227
(02) 9315 5700 |
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Community Legal Centres
Community Legal Centres (CLCS) provide free advice to people to help solve their legal problems. They are usually a very helpful first contact point. Many centres can assist over the telephone. They may be able to provide legal advice, or information about where to go for help. CLCs can also help find legal help from other organisations, including applications for legal aid from the Legal Aid Commission (see below).
Some centres may only be able to help if the person lives in the local area. It is wise to contact the nearest CLC by telephone first for advice or referral.
The Centres
Blue Mountains Community Legal Centre
Central Coast Community Legal Centre
Combined Community Legal Centres Group (NSW) Inc
Community Legal Service of Western NSW Inc.
Consumer Credit Legal Centre (NSW) Inc.
Court Support Scheme
Disability Discrimination Legal Centre Inc. | Phone
(02) 4782 4155
(02) 4353 4988
(02) 9318 2355
(02) 6884 9422
(02) 9212 4111
(02) 9288 8700
(02) 9313 6000 1 800 800 708 |
Domestic Violence Advocacy Service
Environment Defender's Office
Far West Community Legal Centre
Hawkesbury Nepean Community Legal Centre
HIV/AIDS Legal Centre
Hunter Community Legal Centre
Illawarra Legal Centre
Inner City Legal Centre
Immigration Advice and Rights Centre
Indigenous Women’s Contact Line
Kingsford Legal Centre
Macarthur Legal Centre
Macquarie Legal Centre
Marrickville Legal Centre
Mt Druitt & Area Community Legal Centre
Newcastle Legal Centre
North & Northwest Community Legal Centre (Armidale)
Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre (Lismore CLC)
Public Interest Advocacy Centre
Redfern Legal Centre
Shoalcoast Community Legal Centre Inc.
South West Sydney Legal Centre
The Aged-Care Rights Service
Tenants Union
Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women's Legal Centre
Welfare Rights Centre
Women's Legal Resources Centre | (02) 9637 3741 or 1800 810 784
(02) 9262 6989 or 1800 626 239
(08) 8088 2020 or 1800 300 036
(02) 4588 5618
(02) 9206 2060 or 1800 063 060
(02) 4926 3320 or 1800 650 073
(02) 4276 1939
(02) 9332 1966
(02) 9281 8355
1800 639 784 TTY 1800 674 333
(02) 9398 6366
(02) 4628 2042
(02) 9760 0111
(02) 9559 2899
(02) 9675 2009
(02) 4921 8666
(02) 6772 8100 1 800 687 687
(02) 6622 3386 or 1800 689 889
(02) 9299 7833
(02) 9698 7277
(02) 4422 9529
(02) 9601 7777
(02) 9281 3600 1800 424 079
(02) 9251 6590
(02) 9569 3847 1 800 686 587
(02) 9211 5300 or 1800 226 028
(02) 9749 5533 1 800 801 501 |
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The Legal Aid Commission
The Legal Aid Commission is a major source of free legal advice in NSW. The Commission provides general legal advice to the public on all matters. Initial advice is provided free of charge. There is no means test or merit test for this type of advice. Assistance can include help with writing basic letters and making telephone calls. Advice is usually limited to about 15 minutes.
Children
The Legal Aid Commission provides help for children involved in criminal and child welfare cases.
The Commission operates a Children's Legal Service from legal offices at:
Sydney (for Bidura Children's Court) (02) 9219 5120
Parramatta (for Lidcombe Children's Court) (02) 9891 1600
Penrith (for Cobham Children's Court) (02) 4731 5155
For other Children's Courts contact your local Legal Aid Office
Office
Head Office, Sydney
Bankstown
Blacktown
Burwood
Child Support Service
Burwood
MHAS
Burwood
Campbelltown
Coffs Harbour
Drug Court of NSW
Parramatta
Fairfield
Gosford
Hurstville see Sutherland
Lismore
Liverpool
Manly
Newcastle
Civil Law Centre
Newcastle
Orange
Parramatta
Penrith
Children’s Legal Service
Penrith
Sutherland
Tamworth
Veterans Advocacy
Haymarket
Wagga Wagga
Wollongong | Telephone
(02) 9219 5000
(02) 9707 4555
(02) 9621 4800
(02) 9747 6155
(02) 9744 3833
(02) 9745 4277
(02) 4628 2922
(02) 6651 7899
(02) 9895 4506
(02) 9727 3777
(02) 4324 5611
(02) 6621 2082
(02) 9601 1200
(02) 9977 1479
(02) 4929 5482
(02) 4921 8666
(02) 6362 8022
(02) 9891 1600
(02) 4732 3077
(02) 4731 5155
(02) 9521 3733
(02) 6766 6322
(02) 9219 5148
(02) 6921 6588
(02) 4228 8299 |
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Aboriginal Client Service Specialists (ACSS)
ACSS officers are attached to a number of Local Court registries to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander defendants, witnesses and victims of crime. They can also assist with information on Court services.
Contact details for Aboriginal Client Service Specialists are:
Court
Bourke Local Court
Moree Local Court
Campbelltown Local Court
Nowra Local Court Phone
Dubbo Local Court
Penrith Local Court
Lismore Local Court
Taree Local Court | Phone
02 6872 2355
02 6752 1052
02 4629 9600
02 4421 2277
02 6885 7666
02 4720 1510
02 6623 3633
02 6552 5599 |
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Witness Assistance Service
The Witness Assistance Service (WAS) is a statewide service within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and is staffed by professionally qualified workers.
The service is available to witnesses and victims of crime involved in cases being prosecuted by the ODPP. The WAS can accept referrals once the police have finished their investigation and charges have been laid against the alleged offender. WAS provides a range of services aimed at minimising re-traumatisation while going through the criminal proceedings.
The services available include:
- Providing information about the legal process, services available, rights and entitlements
- Updates on the progress of the matter as required
- Referral for counselling and support
- Court preparation and familiarisation
- Coordinating Court support
- Supporting victims during conferences with ODPP lawyers
- Debriefing and post court follow-up.
There is an office in each ODPP office. The locations of each ODPP office and the contact details are available at www.odpp.nsw.gov.au
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