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Macquarie Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service

Macquarie Women's Domestic Violence Advocacy Service (MWDVCAS) offers support, information, referals and representation for women and children who are victims of domestic violence at Parramatta and Ryde Local Courts.

Our Court Advocates can:

  • provide information about Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs),
  • provide information about what happens in court,

  • organise a legal representative if the person doesn't have one,
  • offer support in court and
  • refer to other organisations that can also help.

MWDVCAS is associated with a Legal Practitioner available every Tuesday at Parramatta Local Court.
The legal practitioner can:

  • advise on the legal orders,
  • go into the court room and provide representation and
  • advise on other legal matters such as family law.

If you wish to use our services contact us on (02) 8833 0922

What is Domestic Violence?

  • What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence refers to a personal offence committed by a person against another and where both live in the same household.

  • What are the forms of domestic violence?

Domestic violence can take many form such as:

• physical and or sexual assault,
• verbal abuse and insults,
• social isolation,
• economic deprivation,
• emotional abuse,
• threats and intimidation,
• harassment and stalking.

  • Who commits domestic violence?

The person who commits an act of domestic violence may be a:

• spouse
• partner or ex-partner
• de facto
• family member
• carer or person living in the same household

  • What can be done?

If you feel threatened or are worried about your family's safety call Triple Zero (000).
Police can arrest and charge the person who is violent or threatening. They can make an application on your behalf for an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) to protect you from future threats and/or violence.

Where there is no immediate danger and you would like to seek help or advice, call the DoCS Domestic Violence Line, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 656 463.

  • What is an Aprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO)?

An ADVO is an order made by the court to protect you from violence, threats and harassment. This order can include an Exclusion Order which prohibits the abusive person from returning to the home. The ADVO restricts the behaviour of the person you fear by placing conditions on the ADVO. These conditions can be:
• Not to assault, harass, threaten, stalk or intimidate you,
• Not to enter, remain on or access any premises you occupy or work in,
• Not to contact you directly or through a third party.

  • How can you apply for a ADVO?

You can apply in two ways:

• Through the police (called a police application) or

• Through the Chamber Registrar at any Local Court ( calles a private application)


  • Do I need representation?

If you applied for a police application the police will speak in court regarding your application and you do not need a solicitor to represent you. However our Service will still be available to offer you assistance.

If you made a private application our Service can offer you support service and assist you with organising legal representation.

 

For more information download the Lawlink publication:
Your Court, Your safety. A guide to going to court and getting help with domestic violence

Contacts

  • Macquarie Women's Domestic Violence Advocacy Service:

(02) 8833 0922

mwdvcas@clc.net.au

We operate at:

Parramatta Local Court

12 George Street Parramatta NSW 2150

A legal practitioner is available ervery Tuesday morning.

Ryde Local Court

814 Victoria Road Ryde NSW 2112

Court Advocates available every Friday

  • Contacts 24 hours, 7 days a week

Emergency Police 000

DoCS Domestic Violence Line 1800 656 463 (toll free)

Victims Support Line     Sydney metro (02) 9374 3000 / NSW 1800 633 063 (toll free)

NSW Rape Crisis Centre 1800 424 017

Downloads and Useful Links