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Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS) Banner

Women experiencing domestic and family violence are entitled to feel safe. However, it can be a daunting process to recognise, document and report abusive behaviours to police, to decide whether to leave or remain in the relationship or to appear in court in the presence of the person who has caused you to be fearful.

Northern Sydney Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS) provides information, support, advocacy, casework, access to legal advice, safety planning and referrals for women experiencing domestic and family violence. We help women and their children with information about domestic and family violence and how to get protection from the court. We receive automatic referrals from police, local services and self-referrals by victim-survivors. This service covers the North Shore, Northern Beaches, Ryde and Hornsby areas. If women have a domestic violence case going to court, we can assist them at Hornsby, Burwood or Manly Courts. We also refer women and their families to other services, as required.

For more information contact:
Northern Sydney Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service
P: (02) 8425 8707
E: nswdvcas@catholiccaredbb.org.au

I felt completely understood, 100% supported, evidently heard, like I have a voice, gently empowered and more positive than before the conversation with your service.

Client

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Police took an AVO out on my partner? Does that mean he will go to jail?

No.  An AVO is a civil order to protect you. Unless the other party breaches that order, nothing will happen. If he does anything he should not do, you should call 000 immediately. Police will then send us your contact details and we will call you to offer further information and support, using an interpreter if needed.

Are you the Police?

We are not the Police but we do work closely with them. We do not tell them information you share with us unless you give us consent to do so or you or your children are at imminent risk of serious harm. If you talk about your children and we have concerns for their welfare or safety, we are mandatory reporters to the Department of Communities & Justice (DCJ).

Can we live together with an AVO?

Sometimes yes, unless the order specifies that the other party cannot live there or cannot approach you.

Can you provide legal advice?

We have lawyers who work with us every Tuesday (Manly and Hornsby) and Thursday (Burwood) across the three courts we attend. They can give you advice on any legal matter related to your experience of domestic and family violence.

Do I have to come to court?

No, but we recommend you attend court on the first date (mention). We have a Saferoom where you can sit with us, see our lawyers and talk to the Police. Men are not allowed in the safe room. It is only for female victims.

Will the magistrate talk to me? Will I have to talk?

Not normally at the first court date. It is the Police Prosecutor who will represent you on the day and speak on your behalf. We know it can seem overwhelming. We are here to talk you through every step of the process.  We offer monthly hearing preparation meetings that can help you feel prepared to speak at the hearing, we also have workers who can support you to give evidence on the day.

Can you help me with longer-term support?

Yes we do provide casework for women experiencing family and domestic violence who have complex and serious needs.

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