| WOMEN'S DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COURT ASSISTANCE SCHEME |  |
WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?
Domestic violence is a crime. It is not a normal part of family life, marriage or relationships. It is not limited to criminal assault. It includes fear and intimidation experienced by many people, mainly women and children as a result of actions by someone close to them.Domestic violence includes assault, intimidation, threats stalking, harassment or committing any sexual act by force against another person without their consent. No person has the right to do any of this to you. There are no excuses for domestic violence.
Domestic violence occurs where the people involved are related, living together or in an intimate relationship. The person who commits an act of domestic violence may be a spouse, de-facto, am ex-partner, a boyfriend or girlfriend, a parent or child.
AN APPREHENDED VIOLENCE ORDER - What can it do for me?
An Apprehended Violence Order (ADVO) is an order made by the court against the defendant for your protection. It places conditions or restrictions on the defendant’s behaviour so that they can not harm you as they have done before, or as they have threatened to do. If the defendant breaks the order, the Police can arrest and charge the defendant.An ADVO can be made to suit your particular needs. If you want to change the orders you can do so on the day you go to court, or you can reapply at the court at a later date if you have a need to amend the conditions of your orders.
WHAT IS THE SCHEME?
The Court Assistance Scheme has been set up to assist women who are in a violent domestic situation and need support to obtain Domestic Violence Orders.When you go to court, ask for a support worker who will show you to the Court Assistance Room and a solicitor who will act on your behalf on the day. Support Workers will explain the court process and answer any questions you may have.
THE SERVICE IS FREE
The support workers are professional women who may be able to assist you with accessing other necessary services such as Centrelink and other government departments. The support workers may be able to assist you with legal referrals for Family Court Matters and offer support at court if you are involved in the Family Court.HOW TO REPORT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Call your local police station or ring (02) 9281 0000 and the police switchboard will connect you to your local police station.When you report domestic violence, you must tell the police of your real fears. For your own safety and that of your family, do not understate the level of risk you face. It is important you tell police if you think the person has access to a gun.
If you don’t feel safe where you are, police can assist in finding safe accommodation for you and your children.
CONTACT DETAILS
Manly Warringah Women's Domestic Violence Court Assistance SchemePO Box 556 Dee Why 2099
Phone: 9971 4499 Fax: 9971 4324 Mobile: 0419 212 770
USEFUL CONTACT LIST
Manly Warringah Women’s Resource Centre 9971 4499Manly Warringah Pittwater Family Support Service 9982 9875
Young Pregnant Women’s Project 9981 6413
Manly Court 9934 4500
Manly Police 9977 9499
Dee Why Police 9971 3399
Legal Aid Manly 9971 1479
Department of Community Services Manly 9977 6011
24 hour Police line 131 444