Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service

Who are we?

We are a free, local service that supports women and children who are experiencing domestic violence.

We have a specialist worker to help Aboriginal women, and we also help women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Northern Rivers WDVCAS is a not-for-profit, non-government organisation auspiced by the Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre and funded by Legal Aid NSW.

How do we support women and children?

We help keep women safe

We get in touch with women who have recently experienced domestic violence or family violence, and check on their physical and emotional well-being.

We identify women who are at high risk of experiencing further domestic violence or family violence, and liaise with them regarding adding them to the agenda of Safety Action Meetings to optimise their safety.

These confidential, fortnightly meetings are attended by representatives from government and non-government agencies.

We provide women with information and referrals

We provide information about, and referrals to, support services that can help women:

• Stay safe
• Find accommodation
• Get financial support
• Get legal advice
• Get support caring for their children
• Access counselling and medical services

We support women before court, at court and after court

WDVCAS supports women through the court process:

• We talk to women about what to expect at court, and inform them of court dates and court outcomes.
• We help women understand what an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) is, how they can apply for one, and how an ADVO can help to keep them safe.
• We make sure women have a safe place to sit at court, and help them get the best outcome for their situation.
• We support women at the following local courts on designated ADVO list days:

                         Ballina     

                         Byron Bay                              

                         Murwillumbah

                         Tweed Heads

                         Casino    

                         Kyogle                                         

                         Lismore

How can you contact us?

Phone us on 02 6621 1044 or 1300 720 606, from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, or email us at nrwdvcas@northernriversclc.org.au

In an emergency, contact the police on 000 or the Domestic Violence Line on 1800 656 463 (NSW) OR DV Connect Womens Line on 1800 811 811 (QLD)