Support
at Court
Our service covers eight courts across the Hunter Valley and Port Stephens area (Hunter Police Districts)
- Cessnock
- Dungog
- Kurri Kurri
- Maitland
- Muswellbrook
- Raymond Terrace
- Scone
- Singleton
Our staff are available for support and advocacy within these courts on Domestic Violence List days and can assist with hearing matters by facilitating access to pre-hearing information clinics.
HVWDVCAS Domestic and Family Violence Specialists Workers can help you by:
Before Court
If you have a domestic violence case which is going to court and you want to know what will happen, Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services can provide you with information and referrals to other
At Court
They will make sure you have a safe place to sit at court, give you information to help you understand what is happening and work with you to get an order that is best for your situation. Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services will also keep you informed about the progress of your case, including future dates when you need to attend court.
After Court
After court, they can refer you to other services that can help you with housing, income support, children’s needs, family law and counselling. They can provide you with information about what to do if the abuse continues.
About Court Orders
What is an AVO?
An AVO is an Apprehended Violence Order. It is an order to protect victims of domestic violence when they are fearful of violence or threats to their safety. They are sometimes called restraining orders or protection orders.
There are two types of AVOs:
- Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO). This is made where the people involved are related or have had a domestic or intimate relationship. Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services are funded to assist women in ADVO matters.
- Apprehended Personal Violence Order (APVO). This is made where the people involved are not related or do not have a domestic or intimate relationship, for example, they are neighbours, or where a person is being stalked or intimidated.
An AVO is not a criminal charge. It is an order for your future protection. An AVO sets out restrictions on the other person’s behaviour, so that you can feel safer. If you have children, the order will also protect them.
How do I apply for an AVO?
There are two ways to apply for an AVO. You can make a private application at your Local Court or the police can apply on your behalf. Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services can provide information about both private and police applications and will arrange for you to obtain legal advice if you need it.
The Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service will explain what will happen in court. They will work with you, the police or your lawyer to make sure the conditions of your AVO suit your needs. Information can also be provided to assist and support you if the other person has been charged by the police with an offence.
Do I need to go to court?
Yes. It is preferable for you to go to court so the court has the most up-to-date information about your case and knows what you want to do in relation to your situation. Workers from the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service will be at court to assist you and provide further information for your ongoing
needs.